President William Ruto (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The politics now unfolding in Mt Kenya best exemplifies the adage that there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.
The rate at which former political allies are quickly turning into foes, and other players swiftly reconsidering their positions, has turned the region’s political landscape into a spectacle.
Since Mr Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by Parliament in October last year and ousted as deputy president, he has rallied former President William Ruto’s allies in the region to his side.
Conversely, some leaders from the region who once stood with him are now among his fiercest critics. Even some who initially opposed his impeachment have since returned to President Ruto’s camp.
“The grandest betrayal of all was President Ruto sanctioning the impeachment of Mr Gachagua. I had personally not seen it coming. And if it was to happen, I expected it in the second term,” said historian and political analyst Prof Macharia Munene.
Prof Munene added, “As is typical of betrayal politics, it’s always a throw of the dice - and the results can be wild, as seen in this current impeachment scenario.”
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Mr Justin Muturi, who had supported Ruto’s presidential bid and was rewarded with the post of Attorney General, now finds himself at odds with the President.
After protesting the abduction of his son, whom he insists was taken by state agents, Mr Muturi was sacked from the Cabinet. He has since joined forces with Mr Gachagua to release damaging claims against the President.
“I would like to remind Mr Gachagua that he took a lifetime oath to protect government secrets. Some of the things he is saying are treasonous,” said Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
“The same applies to Mr Muturi, who is on a mission to release unsubstantiated allegations against the state, the Head of State, and civil servants,” Mr Kiunjuri added.
However, Mr Muturi told Nation: “Mr Kiunjuri is a teacher, while I am a lawyer,” suggesting the MP was not qualified to offer legal opinions. “I can tell you that no oath of secrecy demands anyone to defend corruption, abductions, extrajudicial killings, or enforced disappearances.”
Mr Gachagua, on April 6, while addressing a crowd in Kenol town, Murang’a, warned President Ruto to expect more exposés.
“Ruto has not been dismantled properly. Those crying should relax. From 2026, you’ll understand who your leader really is... He asked for it, and we will gracefully tear him apart,” said the former DP.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a legal director in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is one of Gachagua’s staunch allies. He has vowed to launch a new party in May to encourage defections from UDA.
“I am under no obligation to blindly support this cause. That impeachment was unjust. The policies of this government are offensive, and supporting it would mean crucifying the just cause for this country,” said Mr Muriu.
He added that he could not support a suffocating tax regime in a region built by entrepreneurs.
Some cryptic remarks by the President’s allies in Mt Kenya - including Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina and ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, are open to various interpretations.
While speaking in Gikuyu during President Ruto’s recent week-long tour of Mt Kenya, they both hinted that for now, they are in it to extract development commitments, until 2027.
“The cow that is milked is the one in the pen, not the one outside. This is the time to develop our region; politicking will come later,” said Mr Kabogo at a rally in Karugia Market, Kangema Constituency.
Ms Maina later echoed this sentiment, saying: “When you want a cow to give milk, don’t shout at it - coax it, pamper it, and be gentle for maximum yield.”
The MP claimed credit for winning back leaders from the Gachagua wing to form a united development front, but added: “Later, we shall review our stand.”
Maragua MP Mary wa Maua has since shifted allegiance back to President Ruto, stating: “I cannot live in eternal anger. And in any case, I am not the one who was impeached.”
“My performance contract does not include fighting impeachments. Rather, it is about representation, legislation, and lobbying for my constituents and the country,” she added.
Ms Wa Maua dismissed the impeachment as inconsequential. “It was a misstep by the President, but not one worth discarding him over.”
Other leaders who once supported Mr Gachagua but have since decamped include Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi and nominated MP Sabina Chege, both of whom accompanied the President during his Mt Kenya tour, which Gachagua’s allies boycotted.
Mr Gachagua has also accused Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and his wife, Ms Maina, of betrayal. Despite his role in their traditional marriage ceremony, they voted for his impeachment.
The two later claimed Gachagua attended their wedding for political capital, not goodwill.
“That was the day I saw a son and daughter gang up to lynch their father in public. But as they say - this is politics,” said Kikuyu Council of Elders Chair Mr Wachira Kiago.
Kangema MP Peter Kihungi is also moderating his stance.
“It’s difficult to deliver as an MP while opposing the government. I urge President Ruto to reconcile with Gachagua. We are navigating a delicate balance between ground passions and the development agenda,” said Mr Kihungi.
Then there is the apparent betrayal between President Ruto and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
After jointly securing 87 per cent of Mt Kenya’s votes in 2022, the President sanctioned the MP’s removal from the Budget and Appropriations Committee, handing the seat to an MP from Raila Odinga’s ODM.
Mr Nyoro’s “mistake” was his refusal to back the broad-based government and the Gachagua impeachment.
The political rivalry has turned bitter, with claims of underhand tactics to outmanoeuvre opponents.
“We can no longer pretend all is well. One wing believes violence will help it reclaim ground,” said Murang’a County Assembly Majority Leader Gichobe Mbatia.
He added: “Even security officers are betraying the Constitution by protecting goons who attack Gachagua’s supporters.”
“The Mt Kenya ground is pro-Gachagua, but his rivals want war to reclaim the ground they’ve lost,” he claimed.
But Mr Wamumbi countered that Gachagua’s faction was falsely portraying the President as instigating violence.
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