Is the Kingmaker Falling? The High-Stakes Battle for Central Kenya

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing a deepening political crisis as key leaders from the Mt. Kenya region break ranks to endorse President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

The growing defiance among regional heavyweights suggests a significant fracture in Gachagua’s efforts to position himself as the region’s undisputed kingmaker.

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The momentum shifted further this weekend when Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru launched a high-profile mobilization campaign. Addressing a gathering of 2,000 women leaders, Waiguru made a bold declaration of support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging the region to reject opposition politics and secure its place within the government.

The “Winning Team” Strategy

Waiguru’s endorsement is seen as a direct challenge to Gachagua’s narrative of regional rebellion. The Governor emphasized that the Mt. Kenya region cannot afford the risk of being in the political cold for five years, dismissing the opposition’s chances in the next general election.

“We must align with the winning team,” Waiguru stated. “I will be in government, and I am never on the losing side.”

Her stance is mirrored by a vast majority of the region’s elected officials. Despite Gachagua’s threats to have disloyal leaders “disciplined” by voters in 2027, over three-quarters of Mt. Kenya Members of Parliament remain firmly in the President’s camp. The former Deputy President’s circle is also shrinking; high-profile allies Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri) and Mary Wamaua (Maragua) have reportedly abandoned his faction.

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The Mbeere North Blow

Gachagua’s claim to regional dominance suffered a physical blow in the recently concluded Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. The loss of his preferred candidate to the UDA nominee has emboldened government-aligned leaders.

Adding to the complexity is the role of former Trade CS Moses Kuria. While his Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party was accused by the opposition of splitting votes to favor the UDA, Kuria defended his party’s independence. Political analysts, including Martin Andati, suggest that the Mbeere North outcome “complicates matters for Gachagua,” proving that the former DP’s influence is far from unchallenged.

A Divided Landscape

The political map of the mountain is becoming increasingly crowded. While Gachagua remains critical of the Jubilee Party and the influence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, other players like Mwangi Kiunjuri (Service Party) continue to reshape local dynamics.

Meanwhile, Moses Kuria has hinted at a potential shift in focus toward the Nairobi Gubernatorial race, further thinning the ranks of Gachagua’s direct challengers within the region.

As 2027 approaches, Mt. Kenya legislators find themselves at a crossroads. They must now navigate between the “Gachagua rebellion”—which seeks to limit President Ruto to a single term—and a well-resourced government side that is successfully consolidating the region’s grassroots support.