The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A growing political rivalry is emerging between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as the two leaders compete for influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
In recent weeks, the two have appeared to mirror each other’s political activities, with each making strategic visits aimed at demonstrating support in the region that played a key role in President William Ruto’s victory in the 2022 General Election.
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Gachagua, who has become a strong critic of the government following his impeachment, briefly stepped outside the Mt Kenya region last week to join leaders from the United Opposition in political rallies held in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
At the same time the opposition leaders were campaigning in the Gusii region, Kindiki was touring parts of Mt Kenya East, including Embu and Meru counties, where he promoted the government’s agenda and the ruling UDA party.
During the tour, the Deputy President also inspected development projects such as the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and Kianjai Market.
Before Gachagua returned to the Mt Kenya region on Friday, Kindiki had already revisited Meru on Thursday to inspect ongoing road construction projects. Meanwhile, President Ruto met with newly elected Members of County Assembly Duncan Nyaga (Evurore) and Peterson Njeru (Muminji) following recent by-elections in Mbeere North, Embu County. They were accompanied by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Mbeere North MP Leonard Wamuthende.
“We are making progress in transforming politics in Kenya from retrogressive, tribal, divisive and personality-driven contests to issue-based politics. This was evident in the recent by-elections where our party, UDA, won decisively,” Ruto said.
The overlapping visits by the two leaders highlight the intensifying political contest over Mt Kenya, a region widely viewed as one of the country’s most influential voting blocs.
Political analysts say the region will likely play a critical role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
While in Kisii and Nyamira, Gachagua joined opposition leaders in criticising the government’s economic policies and attempting to broaden support beyond his traditional Mt Kenya base.
The visits were seen as part of a wider strategy by the opposition to build alliances across different regions ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Kindiki’s simultaneous presence in Mt Kenya East has been interpreted as an effort by the government to maintain its political support in the region and counter Gachagua’s growing influence.
Leaders allied to the government who accompanied Kindiki described the tour as part of development engagements focused on highlighting infrastructure projects and government initiatives in the counties visited.
In recent months, Kindiki has increased his presence in the region by leading by-election campaigns, attending economic forums and launching development projects aimed at strengthening the administration’s support base.
He is also under pressure to consolidate support in Mt Kenya amid growing political competition for the Deputy President position in 2027.
After concluding the opposition tour in the Gusii region, Gachagua quickly turned his attention back to Mt Kenya.
Over the weekend, the DCP party leader held meetings in Nyahururu, Nyandarua and Nyeri, where he rallied supporters and criticised the government over economic challenges affecting farmers and small businesses.
Gachagua is expected to continue his political mobilisation this week with visits to Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, areas considered strongholds of Kindiki.
His return to the region signals his determination to retain political influence in Mt Kenya despite increasing efforts by Kindiki and allies of President Ruto to consolidate support there.
