A growing chorus of political voices now argues that the influence of Rigathi Gachagua is steadily fading, with critics claiming his current political strategy is less about long-term leadership and more about short-term financial gain ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The debate was reignited following a sharp public exchange with Moses Kuria, who asserted that Gachagua’s impeachment effectively locked him out of contesting for any elective seat. According to Kuria, this has left the former Deputy President with limited political options, forcing him to operate from the sidelines while others shape the region’s future.
Analysts observing Mt Kenya politics say this reality has significantly weakened Gachagua’s bargaining power. Without the ability to vie, they argue, his role is increasingly reduced to that of a political broker rather than a contender. His party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is now being viewed by critics as a vehicle for issuing direct party tickets to aspirants, a move some interpret as a revenue-driven strategy rather than a structured political movement.
“There is a growing perception that DCP is being run as a ticketing platform rather than a party with a clear ideological direction,” a Nairobi-based political analyst noted.
“If the party leader cannot be on the ballot, the incentive shifts.”
Further criticism suggests that many aspirants aligning with DCP may ultimately pursue personal political survival rather than loyalty to Gachagua. As Kuria claimed, elected leaders could easily realign with the government after the elections, leaving Gachagua politically isolated.
With 2027 shaping up as a defining election, observers argue that Gachagua’s influence may decline rapidly thereafter. Without an elected position or firm control over loyal legislators, his political relevance could “die a natural death,” as critics put it.
For now, the battle for Mt Kenya continues—but questions remain over whether Gachagua is building a legacy or simply cashing in on his remaining influence.
