President William Ruto has been working actively to reduce the political influence of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by gaining the support of several politicians from Gachagua’s previous stronghold, the Mount Kenya region. Many MPs who were once allies of Gachagua are now shifting their allegiance towards Ruto, aligning with his government and vision.
Among these developments, Francis Maina, who previously served as Gachagua’s Personal Assistant, was recently appointed Deputy Director of Communication in the President’s Office. Maina, dismissed shortly before Gachagua’s impeachment, now works directly for the executive, highlighting the shifting dynamics within Ruto’s circle. Before Gachagua’s impeachment, he had organized a meeting with 11 Senators from the Mount Kenya region at his residence, rallying their support for his political stance in preparation for the 2027 elections. However, these same senators supported his impeachment in the Senate, signaling a realignment with President Ruto.
Senators who attended Gachagua’s meeting, including Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), John Methu (Nyandarua), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Joseph Githuku (Lamu), and others, were seen as part of Gachagua’s inner circle. Yet, during the impeachment vote, they chose to support the charges against him, marking a significant change. Some of Gachagua’s closest supporters, like Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, also distanced themselves, aligning with Ruto’s agenda.
This shift is further emphasized by recent moves by Senators from the Mount Kenya region to pledge their support for Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the region’s spokesman. Kindiki, now the newly appointed Deputy President, enjoys broad backing in the region, as these leaders endorse Ruto’s development agenda. Senator Gataya from Tharaka Nithi expressed confidence in Kindiki as a representative who would promote the region’s interests on the national stage, stressing the desire to avoid divisive tribal politics.
This realignment weakens Gachagua’s influence, making Ruto’s control over the region stronger. The developments reflect Ruto’s strategic moves to consolidate support in Mount Kenya by appointing officials from Gachagua’s camp to key government roles, signaling a new political landscape for the region and a firm base of support for the President.
By Standard