Kenya Kwanza Deputy Presidential Candidate Rigathi Gachagua on the phone during a press conference at the Karen Residence of Deputy President William Ruto on August 6, 2022.
Ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has resorted to balancing public appearances with phone calls during events in the Mt Kenya region, following recent attacks by thugs at a funeral in Limuru.
The use of loudspeaker-amplified phone calls, which he has resorted to in the past but has intensified in recent days, not only allows him to speak at as many events as possible but also ensures that he is spared the headache of travel and security logistics for only a few important events.
In his political assault on President William Ruto following their dramatic fallout that led to his impeachment, Mr Gachagua appears to be adopting a dynamic game plan. From turning up unannounced at private homesteads to impromptu appearances at music festivals and responding to distress calls with cash donations, the phone calls are the latest addition to his arsenal.
Analysts say Mr Gachagua's overall aim is to remain in the public consciousness as he consolidates support in the vote-rich region ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wherever there is a well-attended function in Mt Kenya, there is an emerging trend of a Gachagua loyalist setting the stage for the former deputy president to address the gathering. Typically, someone makes a phone call and connects it to the public address system for Mr Gachagua to make a speech.
On November 28, 2024, Mr Gachagua quietly visited the home of veteran Benga musician Daniel Kamau, popularly known by his stage name (DK) wa Maria, in Gatanga constituency and addressed a gathering under a mango tree.
He proclaimed that "there are many ways to skin a cat and if the people remain steadfast in working for our redemption from the effects of bad governance, we will win".
Mr Gachagua was due to make his presence known at a burial ceremony in Kirinyaga County by telephone later on December 4, 2024.
When Baragwi MCA David Mathenge was invited to address the mourners, he surprised those who expected Mr Gachagua to appear in person.
Instead, Mr Mathenge announced that he was donating his time to Mr Gachagua.
"I want to announce to you that Mr Gachagua is here with us and will be addressing you in a moment. Go and tell those who think they can get away with violence that we will corner them," said Mr Mathenge.
He then called Mr Gachagua on the telephone and put him on the public address system.
Mr Gachagua thanked the cheering mourners and told them he was still committed to the cause of rescuing the country from what he described as a "chest-thumping administration that dismisses us as evil spirits".
Mr Gachagua said he was also happy that Mt Kenya residents were at the forefront of the fight against bad governance and state capture.
The former deputy president has also appeared from afar at caravans organised by social media influencers that have attracted large crowds.
In such cases, an organiser calls on the deputy president to address the crowd.
The Limuru attack came after Mr Gachagua's private secretary, Mumbi wa Munene, told Nation.Africa on October 25, 2024, that the state had completely withdrawn the former DP's security.
"We asked why the security was withdrawn and the feedback was that Mr Gachagua should stop grassroots political activities," said Mr Munene.
A defiant Mr Gachagua turned up at Bibirioni village to attend the burial of Mr Erastus Nduati when alleged hired thugs attacked him.
Mr Gachagua later said the attack was state-sponsored, adding that the intention was to assassinate him.
He subsequently cancelled his attendance at a burial ceremony in Molo constituency, with the area's MP, Kuria Kimani, announcing that 'it was felt that the ceremony was in danger of becoming chaotic'.
Although the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr Mohamed Amin, had exclusively told Nation.Africa that the perpetrators of the attack would be hunted down, arrested and charged, over a week later there appears to be little progress in the investigation, apart from the summoning of politicians allied to Mr Gachagua.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has since dismissed Mr Gachagua as "a man crying wolf where there is none, using deceptive scenes staged to elicit sympathy...including dramatising violence to make people believe that there is someone interested in harming the self-centred politicians".
While Mr Ichung'wah reiterated that "those who promote violence, intolerance and bad politics will be defeated", Mr Gachagua has not heeded the condemnation.
Now, Mr Gachagua and his loyalists are seen adopting strategies aimed at allowing him to interact with his supporters, even as it becomes clear that the state is working hard to contain him.
According to Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, "All those who love Gachagua will protest publicly if necessary to stop the persecution".
Ms Muchomba told Nation.Africa that "we want all our development partners and all democracies to take note that there is a leader in Kenya who is being persecuted for opposing corruption, one-man rule, abductions, disappearances, extrajudicial killings... and for opposing inhumane treatment of traders and tenants".
She added: "Some people in the government are trying hard to push people to retaliate and burn the country so that they can stay in power by invoking the state of emergency".
Ms Muchomba added that "for every propaganda they unleash against us, we have to counter it and we will come in 2027 with well-drawn battle lines that will cause a political earthquake against this incumbent government".
According to political analyst Harman Manyora, "Gachagua has clearly shown that he is ready for a big battle against his former boss.
He added: "It was a big mistake for Mr Gachagua's protagonists to imagine that he would be impeached, go home and become irrelevant."
Charles Mwangi, a lecturer at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), said Mr Gachagua was using public communication forums to advance his agenda.
"The media interviews that we see Mr Gachagua giving - where he speaks insightfully and rolls out cleverly packaged political messages - shows that he is a repackaged man coming out creatively strong," he said.
Former Gatanga MP Nduati Ngugi says the former deputy president has become a thorn in the government's side as he consolidates Mt Kenya voters.
"It is now certain that Mr Gachagua doesn't want President Ruto to get a second term," he says.
Mr Ngugi explains that Mr Gachagua's challenge is to have solid strategies for the next three years to remain relevant and consolidate the region behind him.
"The field is bound to become more competitive as 2027 approaches. The monkey business of political engagement is bound to escalate. It is up to Mr Gachagua to find a way to maintain the fanatical following he has amassed in Mt Kenya and extend it to other regions," said Mr Ngugi.
Mr Gachagua, during his recent visit to Murang'a County, vowed to ensure that Mt Kenya remains hardened against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government until the August 2027 general elections.
"The moves you see being made against us in parts of the region in the form of violence is a desperate attempt to stop us from talking to frustrated Kenyans. But come rain or sunshine, we will soldier on and emerge triumphant," Mr Gachagua said at the Kangare AIPCA church.
Another strategy Mr Gachagua is said to be using is enlisting leaders from other regions to fight for him.
According to Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, the former DP has made new friends who will soon defend his freedom to participate in political discourse.
"Mr Gachagua has taken Mt Kenya as his solid base. He has also convinced us in the Eastern and Western regions that our communities can work together to achieve national unity of purpose. To this end, you will hear our collective partners like Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and George Natembeya helping Mr Gachagua on the journey he is on," said Mr Maanzo.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya told Nation.Africa that Mr Gachagua will soon launch his plan to reach out to other regions.
"You think Mr Gachagua is a politician from the mountain region but you will soon see him with others in all regions," he said.
