Rigathi Gachagua’s “Wantam” campaign now faces its most difficult political test in Mt Kenya one of basic arithmetic.
With the High Court having upheld his impeachment, Gachagua remains constitutionally barred from holding any public office. Yet he continues to position himself as the principal defender of Mt Kenya interests, demanding the removal of President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The practical question many in the region are now asking is simple: if Kindiki currently the most senior active politician from Mt Kenya in government is pushed out, who replaces him in the top two positions from Gachagua’s opposition side? The most likely names being floated are Kalonzo Musyoka or Fred Matiang’i.
This creates a difficult sell. How does one convince Kikuyus, whose political strategy has historically relied on having strong representation at the centre, to reject one of their own in the second highest office in favour of a Kamba or Kisii? Gachagua has offered no credible answer to this question.
Even former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has publicly urged President Ruto to retain Kindiki as his running mate in 2027, arguing that the decision would demonstrate commitment to balancing political interests in the Mt Kenya region. This reflects a pragmatic understanding that Kindiki currently serves as the most visible institutional link between the region and the national government.
Gachagua’s approach appears to ignore this reality. His sustained attacks on Kindiki labelling him a “yes man” with no independent voice have been consistent since the impeachment. Yet removing Kindiki without a clear, acceptable replacement from within Mt Kenya risks leaving the region more exposed, not stronger.
True regional advocacy requires more than slogans.
It demands a realistic assessment of where power actually sits and how it can be influenced. Gachagua’s current strategy appears more focused on personal relevance than on securing tangible institutional presence for Mt Kenya at the centre.
Kikuyus are politically sophisticated enough to recognise when “fighting for the mountain” begins to undermine the mountain’s actual leverage. That recognition may ultimately prove to be Gachagua’s biggest obstacle.
