The criticism from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s frequent international travels has once again exposed the underlying tension between the two.
Both Mudavadi and Gachagua have been representing the President at various functions. The Prime CS has however been deployed to international functions while the DP does local tours, something that Gachagua appears to have not taken lightly, according to his sentiments over the weekend.
“Let me make it clear, the only foreign trips I will engage in are those that contribute to development, as I have no interest in attending ceremonial events. I have urged the President to allow me to address the issue of substance abuse among our youth, particularly alcohol and marijuana. I believe that by rehabilitating them, they will have better prospects of securing employment. This is a significant responsibility that surpasses the value of excessive international travel.”
Politicians from Western Kenya, belonging to the Kenya Kwanza faction have rallied behind Mudavadi in response to Mr. Gachagua’s insinuation that the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s foreign excursions were not benefiting the Kenyan people.
Omboko Milemba, the Secretary-General of Amani National Congress (ANC) and Member of Parliament for Emuhaya, deemed Gachagua’s criticism of Mudavadi’s trips unnecessary. He stated, “There is no need to belittle any official government trips, as they are all funded by taxpayers and authorized by the President.”
This is the second time the two de facto regional kingpins, both of whom harbour thinly veiled ambitions of leading the country in the coming years are clashing publicly. In January, Gachagua and Mudavadi differed after Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja attempted to close bars in residential areas for being a nuisance.
Gachagua at that time argued that Sakaja was targeting businesses owned by entrepreneurs from Mt Kenya. Mudavadi came to the Sakaja’s rescue claiming that the DP was persecuting a leader from Western Kenya for doing his job.
This intense competition for President Ruto’s attention, fueled by ethnic tensions and political grandstanding, is at the core of a heated power struggle that is already considering the 2027 elections.
Gachagua holds the position of second-in-command and is considered the heir-apparent within the Ruto administration, while Mudavadi, the leader of the Amani National Congress (ANC), has made it evident that he has temporarily set aside his presidential aspirations.
The underlying dynamics of this battle involve not only personal ambitions but also complex ethnic dynamics and the pursuit of political influence. Problems between the two began even before last year’s election when Mudavadi made a surprise entry into Ruto’s political machinery.
To sort out the rivalry between the two, Ruto appointed both of them to powerful positions and with distinct roles. This move which was considered a political master stroke only kept the peace for a while.
In a September interview with NTV, Gachagua expressed his perspective, stating, “What does being a ‘kingpin’ entail? From my understanding, I am the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, and I hold the highest leadership position in the region. How people perceive me is up to them, but I communicate with the people of Mount Kenya in their own language, and they listen to me.”
Gachagua has been actively trying to consolidate his authority in the Mt Kenya region. Many observers also believe that he is behind the current fight for ownership of the Jubilee party which is aimed at completely vanquishing retired President Uhuru Kenyatta politically.
On the other hand, Mudavadi has focused on solidifying his support base in the Western region. In pursuit of this goal, the former vice-president has recently conducted numerous meetings with elected leaders from the area, which are seen as part of his efforts to rally the region behind him in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
President Ruto who is still anchoring his 2027 re-election on Mt Kenya’s support has on more than one occasion come forward to defend his deputy. In March the president dismissed allegations that he had intentionally set Gachagua to fail by assigning him the responsibility of dismantling cartels in the agriculture sector.
The President asserted that these claims were baseless and should be disregarded, emphasizing that his administration’s primary focus was on revitalizing the economy and improving service delivery.
During a Thanksgiving prayer rally held at Bomet Green Stadium, President Ruto adamantly stated, “I have not set up my deputy for failure. If he falls, I will fall alongside him.” He further emphasized that Mr. Gachagua would be leading the reforms, particularly in the tea and coffee sectors, with the goal of ensuring that farmers can reap profits from their investments.
