Nominated MP Hon. Sabina Chege has publicly weighed in on the leadership vacuum in the Mount Kenya region following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent fallout with President William Ruto.
MP Sabina Chege clarified who currently holds influence in the region, highlighting shifting political tides and the emergence of a new power figure.
Sabina Chege noted that during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, there was no doubt about the region’s political leadership.
“When the former president was in power, he was the kingpin in the Mount Kenya region,” she said.
However, she pointed out that after Kenyatta’s exit, Rigathi Gachagua briefly took the mantle by virtue of his position as Deputy President.
Sabina Chege acknowledged Gachagua’s rise but noted that his influence dwindled after what she referred to as an “impeachment” from within government structures—an apparent reference to his sidelining and self-declared withdrawal from government functions following a fallout with the president.
Her remarks confirmed growing speculation that Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has taken over as the de facto political leader in the region.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, known for his quiet but calculated political style, has increasingly gained visibility within government, especially in national security and coordination roles.
His elevation, according to MP Sabina Chege, reflects the current political reality, where President Ruto appears to favor loyalty and competence over populist rhetoric.
With Gachagua appearing to take a back seat, many have questioned whether the region was losing political ground. By naming Kindiki as the new kingpin, Chege offered clarity, though her view may not sit well with all factions in the region.
By Nairobi