Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly hinted at a growing rift within the Kenya Kwanza government for the first time, addressing speculations that have circulated for weeks. Speaking to residents of Kesses, Uasin Gishu, Gachagua accused certain leaders from the Rift Valley, who are close to President William Ruto, of sowing discord in the Mt. Kenya region. He claimed these leaders have joined forces with youthful leaders from Mt. Kenya to strategize for power ahead of the 2032 elections.
“The problem is a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who have proximity to the president are stirring politics in our area, misleading people to start planning for 2032. That is the problem there,” Gachagua said during a fundraising event for a women’s empowerment program, organized by Kesses MP Julius Rutto.
Gachagua also attended the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Auxiliary Bishop-Elect Monsignor John Kimplimo Lelei of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret earlier in the day. He did not name the leaders he referred to in his speech.
His comments follow recent allegations by former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, who accused a cabinet secretary and a vocal MP from the Rift Valley of undermining the DP in an attempt to seize power in the future. Ngunjiri claimed these officials were plotting to remove Gachagua from the government.
Speculations about a fallout within the Kenya Kwanza government intensified after Gachagua retreated to his rural home in Nyeri and remained out of the public eye for about a week. On Tuesday, Gachagua confirmed that he had switched off his phones to avoid disturbances, explaining that he took time away for prayers, fasting, and meditation.
“I had taken seven days away for prayers, fasting, meditation, and no phones, and nobody could disturb me. I had to meditate on the state of the nation and the welfare of this region,” Gachagua explained.
He also criticized leaders he accused of being used to divide the Mt. Kenya community, stressing his commitment to fighting for the region’s interests and urging people to unite and speak with one voice. Gachagua warned against narratives suggesting that it was the turn of other counties in Mt. Kenya to rule, calling such ideas retrogressive and divisive.
“Mt. Kenya people are wise and can tell when politics are at play; don’t allow anyone to divide us,” he urged, emphasizing the need for unity within the community.
