Gachagua Faces Political Setback as Key Mt. Kenya Allies Defect to Ruto

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing a significant challenge to his political influence in the Mt. Kenya region as a wave of defections from his inner circle to President William Ruto's camp intensifies. 

The departure of Ngunjiri Wambugu, a former key advisor and strategist, marks the latest setback, signalling a broader realignment within the region's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Gachagua, who assumed the role of opposition leader following his impeachment in October 2024, has been actively working to consolidate his support base in the populous Mt. Kenya region. However, the recent shift in allegiances among lawmakers who previously aligned with him underscores a growing challenge to his political dominance.

In recent months, several prominent figures have distanced themselves from Gachagua, aligning instead with President Ruto. Among them are Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi, Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru, and Kieni MP Wainaina Chieni. While these leaders notably abstained from supporting Gachagua’s impeachment in Parliament, their subsequent actions indicate a deliberate realignment with the President's political agenda.

Further eroding Gachagua's base of support are Kandara MP Chege Njuguna and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba. Despite their previous vocal support for Gachagua, both were conspicuously absent from a recent high-profile political gathering at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County. The event saw Gachagua hosting key opposition figures, including Martha Karua of the People's Liberation Party, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Instead of attending the meeting, Wa Muchomba chose to engage with youths in her constituency in Kenol. Her subsequent cryptic message on Facebook referenced Niccolò Machiavelli, hinting at strategic political manoeuvring: “Adapt to change and embrace pragmatism, understand human nature, fortune favours the bold, balance virtue with practicality and resilience is key to success.”

Perhaps the most surprising development has been the defection of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and his wife, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina. The couple, once considered political proteges of Gachagua, not only actively campaigned for his removal from office but have also become vocal critics. Gachagua had played a significant role in Wamumbi’s personal life, serving as a father figure when the MP sought Maina’s hand in marriage. His residence was in close proximity to theirs, and he facilitated key aspects of their relationship, including the dowry payment ceremony. 

Despite these deep personal ties, Wamumbi and Maina turned against him during the impeachment proceedings, marking a profound shift in their allegiances. Adding to the list of unexpected departures is Wambugu, a former Nyeri Town MP who had been instrumental in shaping Gachagua’s communication strategies and messaging during his tenure as Deputy President. Wambugu’s exit from Gachagua’s camp is particularly noteworthy, given his former position as a gatekeeper at the Wamunyoro political command centre.

In an interview on Kogi's Corner TV, Wambugu explained his decision, stating that his involvement with Gachagua had been purely professional. “I was not there as a politician. I was there as a professional. After the October 2024 impeachment against him, my work came to a close. I'm now back to my politics as an independent player,” he clarified.

Wambugu’s exit followed Wamaua’s defection on April 3 during President Ruto's six-day tour of the Mt. Kenya region. Initially, Wamaua had been a staunch supporter of Gachagua, cautioning that his impeachment could negatively impact the President’s standing among Mt. Kenya voters. However, her stance shifted dramatically during Ruto's visit to her constituency, where she openly pledged allegiance to the President.

“But that was only a slip…it was not a fall as such. I want to confess that I have been in talks with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki since November and with the President since December last year,” Wamaua declared. She further emphasised her alignment with Ruto, stating, “Where you go, that is where I will go, and your people shall be my people…your President will be my President.”

During an interview on Inooro TV, Wamaua further distanced herself from the impeachment issue. “It was not me who was impeached,” she said, adding that her constituents prioritised development over lingering political disputes. Wambugu, too, framed his departure as a pragmatic decision, expressing his belief that Ruto was unlikely to be a one-term President. While acknowledging the initial anger and hostility towards the government following Gachagua’s impeachment, he argued that sentiments were softening.

“People are healing. In November, there was anger after Gachagua’s impeachment, and residents couldn't listen to leaders, but today they are listening,” Wambugu remarked.

The wave of defections poses a significant threat to Gachagua’s ambitions of solidifying his influence ahead of the next election cycle. His plan to announce a political party tailored to Mt. Kenya’s interests has been met with scepticism, particularly from former allies like Wambugu who dismissed the idea as a one-man dictatorship.

Kihungi, who officially defected in February, emphasised the challenges of representing constituents while being in conflict with the government. “It is very hard to serve while fighting the government,” he stated, urging Ruto and Gachagua to reconcile for the sake of Mt. Kenya’s development prospects.