The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s six-week visit to the United States and his dramatic return to Kenya on Thursday have cemented his growing influence as a rising opposition figure.
Despite being abroad since July, Gachagua remained a dominant voice in national politics, consistently making headlines with strong statements critical of the government—comments that reportedly unsettled officials in Nairobi and even drew threats of arrest.
Throughout his time overseas, Gachagua maintained close ties with his political base, often calling in to address supporters at rallies and events back home. Simultaneously, his Democratic Change Party (DCP) allies and opposition partners continued to hold high-profile meetings across the Mt Kenya region, occasionally clashing with authorities.
His return to Kenya, timed with the run-up to several key by-elections, was aimed at revitalizing the opposition’s momentum, which had begun to stall during his absence. His grand procession from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport caused major traffic disruption on Mombasa Road and drew comparisons to Raila Odinga’s famous “Baba While You Were Away” return.
Since his impeachment in October, Gachagua has rebranded as a formidable opposition leader, taking direct aim at President William Ruto—once his political ally—and appealing to the influential Mt Kenya voting bloc, which comprises roughly 4.8 million voters.
Now widely seen as the central figure in the opposition, Gachagua has been instrumental in uniting key players, including Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, and Fred Matiang’i.
Political analyst Martin Andati noted, “He’s the glue keeping the opposition united. He’s re-energized the base and is actively preventing internal fractures.”
In just a short time, the first-term former Mathira MP has overtaken long-standing opposition heavyweights, establishing a new party, expanding its reach across Mt Kenya, and preparing to field candidates in the Malava, Banisa, and Mbeere North by-elections.
Booker Omole of the Communist Party Marxist-Kenya noted that Gachagua is leveraging a growing narrative that Mt Kenya is politically marginalized. However, he cautioned that relying solely on tribal identity may limit Gachagua’s long-term impact.
“While he may be a kingmaker or a disruptor, tribal politics can only carry him so far,” Omole said.
Political commentator Pauline Njoroge remarked that Gachagua has become more influential as an opposition leader than he ever was as Deputy President.
“Few believed he would remain relevant after his impeachment. Now, his return is dominating headlines, and he’s commanding serious attention,” she said.
She added that the government had gone to great lengths—deploying both security forces and hired crowds—to manage the reception at the airport.
“Every media outlet is focused on his return. Whoever he endorses within a united opposition will have a significant advantage going into the 2027 elections,” Njoroge concluded.
