Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has appeared to distance herself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for political leaders to “listen to the ground” when making political decisions.
Ng’ang’a instead said her political direction is guided by God rather than the views of the people, in remarks that could deepen her perceived differences with the former Deputy President.
“When people are listening to the ground, I am listening to God,” Ng’ang’a said during a public meeting.
Her remarks contrast sharply with the political philosophy championed by Gachagua, who has repeatedly urged leaders to listen to the electorate and understand the views of ordinary Kenyans before making political decisions.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has made “listen to the ground” a central theme of his political mobilisation, particularly as he seeks to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has described listening to the ground as a cardinal rule for DCP, arguing that politicians should be guided by the aspirations and concerns of voters.
The party has also used “Skiza Wakenya”, meaning “Listen to Kenyans”, as one of its key rallying calls. Its official slogan is “Kazi na Haki”, meaning “Work and Justice”.
The messaging is intended to position DCP as a grassroots-driven political outfit that places the views and interests of ordinary Kenyans at the centre of its political agenda.
Ng’ang’a’s remarks are likely to attract attention in the Mt Kenya political landscape, where Gachagua has been working to build a strong grassroots network and rally leaders around his opposition agenda.
The Thika Town MP has increasingly appeared to take a different political path from Gachagua following his impeachment as Deputy President in 2024.
Ng’ang’a was previously among leaders associated with Gachagua and his political influence in the Mt Kenya region. However, the political relationship has since cooled as the former Deputy President intensified his efforts to establish a new political base through DCP and the wider United Opposition.
Gachagua’s impeachment triggered significant political realignments in Mt Kenya, with leaders increasingly divided over whether to remain aligned with President William Ruto’s administration or support the former Deputy President’s emerging opposition movement.
The divisions have become more pronounced as political parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has sought to portray DCP as a vehicle for grassroots political participation, arguing that leaders should first establish what voters want before making political commitments.
Ng’ang’a’s statement, however, suggests a different approach, with the legislator saying she would rather seek divine guidance than rely on shifting political sentiments on the ground.