NJAU: Ruto, Gachagua allies lock horns over Kiambu vote bloc

A political supremacy battle is brewing in Kiambu county as allies of President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua intensify efforts to control the vote-rich region ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kiambu, which has 12 constituencies and about 1,275,008 registered voters, remains one of the most strategic counties in Mount Kenya’s electoral map, ranking amongst the most populous and politically influential regions.

In the 2022 presidential election, Kiambu overwhelmingly backed Ruto, who garnered 561,899 votes (about 74 per cent), compared to 194,753 votes for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In Gatundu South, home to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto secured 41,712 votes, while Raila managed 12,290 votes, highlighting the county’s firm alignment with the Kenya Kwanza coalition at the time.

However, the political landscape has since shifted following the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua, which culminated in Gachagua’s impeachment and replacement by former Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki.

Political analyst and Jkuat don Charles Mwangi told the Star that the Ruto-Gachagua fallout has fractured what was once a solid voting bloc in the 2022 polls.

“The unity that existed in 2022 is no longer there. What we are seeing now is fragmentation, and that creates a highly competitive political environment,” he said.

He added that Gachagua’s strategy is centred on consolidating regional identity, while President Ruto and his allies are focused on reelection.

He said the ongoing succession debate, coupled with the ‘one-term’ and ‘two-term’ rhetoric, is likely to make the 2027 election one of the most competitive in Kenya’s history.

“If Gachagua manages to consolidate Mt Kenya, especially Kiambu, he becomes a key national player. But it will not be easy because the majority of incumbents still favours Ruto,” he said.

Since his removal, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader has moved to consolidate his influence in the Mt Kenya region by forming a new political party and aggressively mobilising grassroots support.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, a close Gachagua ally, on Wednesday dismissed the influence of UDA in the region.

He said in an interview that most leaders and voters are aligned with Gachagua, whom he called “the people’s deputy president”.

He said Gachagua’s DCP currently has the highest rating in the Mt Kenya region, surpassing UDA as well as Jubilee, led by Uhuru.

“Kiambu has fully embraced Gachagua. UDA leaders will have a rough time campaigning here,” Thangwa said.

He said Kiambu voters are dissatisfied with leaders who supported Gachagua’s impeachment.

“We are fully behind Gachagua, and in Kiambu, DCP will have most of the seats from the governor, senator, MPs and MCAs,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed earlier this week by Gachagua while announcing businessman John Mwaura as his preferred candidate for Kiambu governor.

He said about 71 aspirants have declared interest in the parliamentary seats in Kiambu on a DCP ticket and promised free and fair nominations.

During his speech, the former DP announced a political mobilisation campaign called ‘Operation Fagia Kiambu’, aimed at unseating leaders allied UDA.

“Kiambu is home, and we should punish all leaders who have betrayed the community and those working with William Ruto. I will personally lead the ‘Fagia’ operations in the region.”

He further urged voters to reject UDA candidates, accusing some leaders of betraying the interests of residents.

Gachagua also promised to traverse Kiambu county, mobilising support for DCP candidates.

“I will be coming to Thika town soon to popularise the party and when you plan for activities, please invite me and I will come, Kiambu is home,” he added.

John Mwaura is expected to face off with incumbent Kimani Wamatangi and Alice Ng'ang'a, among others.

During his remarks, Mwaura promised better leadership for Kiambu and pledged to work with all leaders across the county.

He declared his readiness to face his opponents, describing his bid as a “redefining moment” for the county.

“I am ready to offer leadership that ensures Kiambu residents get a fair share of national resources,” he said.

He added that Kiambu has the potential to become an economic powerhouse if well managed.

“What we need is leadership that is focused, accountable and committed to unlocking that potential for the benefit of all, especially the next generation. The time to choose wisely is now,” he said.

Kiamwangi MCA Kungu Smart told the Star that Kiambu has emerged as the focal point of a larger political struggle in the Mt Kenya region.

He warned that the ongoing supremacy battles could reshape the region’s political direction.

“Kiambu has become the epicentre of a broader political contest for control of the Mt Kenya region. What we are witnessing is not just local politics, but a strategic battle that will determine the region’s political future,” Kungu said.

He added that heightened political activity signals Kiambu’s growing importance as a kingmaker bloc.

“Every major political player understands that whoever controls Kiambu will have a significant advantage in Mt Kenya and, by extension, national politics. That is why we are seeing such intense mobilisation on the ground,” he said.

Political players argue that the governor’s race in Kiambu is shaping up into a multi-cornered contest, with Ng’ang’a declaring interest on a UDA ticket, directly challenging Wamatangi.

Wamatangi, who was elected on a UDA ticket, is reportedly facing strained relations within the party, particularly with allies of President Ruto led by Kimani Ichung'wah, who is the Majority leader in the National Assembly.

Analysts say it remains unclear which party Wamatangi will use to defend his seat in 2027.

Earlier, Wamatangi accused unnamed leaders of plotting his impeachment, claiming the push is being driven by top political figures in the county.

The governor and Ichung’wah have been locked in a prolonged dispute over the management of county affairs.

Last year, Ichung’wah accused Wamatangi of delaying key development projects.

“Residents want implementation, not endless planning,” he said in November last year.

While Ichung’wah has accused the governor of stalling development, a section of Kiambu MCAs has faulted the Majority leader for allegedly fuelling divisions within the county assembly.

Kiambu assembly majority leader Godfrey Mucheke earlier told the Star that Wamatangi is being politically targeted.

He accused Ichung’wah of pushing efforts to destabilise the governor’s administration.

“We believe there are deliberate efforts to push for Wamatangi’s ouster to advance certain political interests. There have also been instances where MCAs who do not agree with that position feel undermined, but we will not be intimidated,” Mucheke said.

During a recent visit by the President to Kiambu, supporters of Wamatangi and Ichung’wah clashed in his presence.

Ichung’wah was briefly interrupted by the crowd but reassured the President of continued support.

“The people of Kiambu are fully behind you, Mr President. We will deal with our own issues locally,” he said.

Wamatangi also pledged support for the President’s development agenda.

“Mr President, don’t let anyone tell you that I’m objecting to development. I’m fully behind you on development; people need jobs, not politics,” he said.

Tensions escalated further after Gachagua and his team of aspirants n Kiambu accused Ichung’wah of orchestrating the disruption of his rally in Kikuyu using tear gas.

“You have joined hands with William Ruto to oppress the Kikuyu community. It is a big mistake,” Gachagua alleged.

Ichung’wah has, however, accused the DCP leader of destabilising the county and warned him against political interference in his constituency.

During a recent tour of Juja and Thika constituencies, Ruto called for unity and urged leaders to focus on development.

“I am ready to work with all leaders to ensure that everything we promised the people is delivered,” Ruto said.

At a separate church service, Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia few months ago sparked controversy after referring to Wamatangi as an “outgoing governor”, while introducing Thika MP Ng’ang’a as the incoming county boss.

The remarks, made in the presence of the President, underscored growing divisions among local leaders.

Wamatangi responded by urging residents to judge leaders based on performance.

“People need development, not endless politics. I am ready to face my competitors in 2027,” he said.

Speaking in Murang’a during a burial service on Wednesday, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria urged leaders to tone down their rhetoric and shun divisive politics.

“Let’s stop fighting each other and respect one another. Elections come and go,” Kuria said.

He cautioned Gachagua against attacking fellow leaders, calling for political tolerance in the region.