The political landscape in the Mt Kenya region is rapidly shifting as Rigathi Gachagua expands his political influence through the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Political observers now warn that the strategy being deployed could slowly weaken and eventually cannibalize the Jubilee Party, a party that once dominated the region’s political space.
For years, Jubilee enjoyed overwhelming support in the Mt Kenya region, largely anchored on the political influence of Uhuru Kenyatta. However, the emergence of Gachagua as a regional political mobilizer has introduced a new dynamic that directly targets Jubilee’s traditional base.
Observers say Gachagua’s approach is strategic. Instead of confronting Jubilee directly at the top leadership level, the new party is gradually absorbing grassroots networks that previously powered Jubilee’s electoral strength. Ward organizers, local mobilizers, and aspiring politicians are increasingly being drawn into the new political outfit.
This method of political expansion effectively weakens Jubilee from within. As more leaders and grassroots organizers migrate, the party risks losing the local structures that once enabled it to mobilize voters across the region.
Analysts also point to the difference in political style between the two sides. While Jubilee appears to be taking a cautious and diplomatic approach to regional politics, Gachagua’s camp is engaging in aggressive grassroots mobilization aimed at consolidating control of the mountain vote ahead of the 2027 elections.
The effect is already causing anxiety among some Jubilee aspirants who fear the party could gradually lose its relevance in the region if it fails to respond decisively. For candidates planning to run on the Jubilee ticket, the erosion of local structures could translate into weaker campaign networks and reduced political influence on the ground.
With the United Democratic Alliance also maintaining a strong presence in the region, Mt Kenya is increasingly becoming a competitive battleground among multiple political formations.
If the current trends continue, analysts warn that Jubilee could face the risk of being politically hollowed out in the very region that once formed the core of its national power.
