In a move that has sent ripples across Kenya’s political landscape, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made an audacious call for the Mt. Kenya region to sever ties with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and prepare for the launch of a new political formation. The announcement, which is expected to culminate in the unveiling of the new outfit in May, signals a significant shift in the political dynamics of the central region and Kenya as a whole.
Gachagua, who has been a key ally of President Ruto, made the bold statement during a political gathering in Nyeri, where he urged the people of Mt. Kenya to reconsider their loyalty to the UDA and rally behind a fresh political movement that promises to represent the region’s interests more effectively. His call comes at a time when political realignments are frequent, and power struggles within various factions are intensifying.
A New Political Home for Mt. Kenya?
The former deputy president’s comments raise important questions about the future of the Mt. Kenya region’s political influence. Historically, Mt. Kenya has been a significant player in Kenya’s political scene, with its leaders wielding substantial power and influence over national elections and decision-making processes. However, Gachagua’s remarks suggest that, despite being a crucial ally of President Ruto, the region may feel increasingly sidelined within the current political configuration.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Mt Kenya to abandon President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and be ready to embrace his new political outfit to be unveiled in May.https://t.co/7hpVWQfQoa pic.twitter.com/1TqoIxnGY3
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 15, 2025
By signalling that a new political outfit will soon be launched, Gachagua is positioning himself as a key figure in the region’s future political trajectory. His move to distance Mt. Kenya from UDA could be a strategic attempt to reclaim the region’s political autonomy and to create a platform that can effectively address local issues without the interference of national-level political dynamics. If successful, this new formation could potentially challenge UDA’s dominance in the region.
The Rift with Ruto
Gachagua’s call to abandon UDA also underscores a deeper rift that may be developing between him and President Ruto. While both men have maintained a close political relationship, Gachagua’s statement implies that he may no longer be satisfied with the direction in which UDA is headed or the influence that Mt. Kenya holds within it. Some political analysts argue that Gachagua’s call reflects growing discontent in the region over the perceived lack of representation in the current government, with many in Mt. Kenya feeling that they are not receiving their fair share of political and economic benefits.
Additionally, the tension between Gachagua and Ruto could also be seen as part of a broader political realignment in the country. As the 2027 general elections approach, it is likely that Gachagua’s new political outfit will position itself as a strong alternative to the established parties, and it may be seeking to draw support from other regions, not just Mt. Kenya. This strategic repositioning could give Gachagua the political leverage needed to play a central role in the country’s next presidential race, either as a candidate or as a kingmaker.
The Reaction from UDA and Mt. Kenya Leaders
The reaction from UDA and other political leaders from the Mt. Kenya region has been mixed. While some have voiced support for Gachagua’s vision, others have questioned the timing of the announcement and the potential consequences of abandoning the party that brought Ruto to power. Leaders loyal to UDA have argued that the party remains the most viable platform for advancing the interests of Mt. Kenya at the national level, and splitting from it could risk diminishing the region’s political capital.
In particular, figures within the UDA have stressed the importance of unity, particularly as the country continues to recover from the effects of the 2022 elections and the subsequent challenges brought on by the economic situation. They argue that fragmenting the region’s political support base at this juncture could undermine the collective power of Mt. Kenya, making it more difficult to secure political gains in the future.
However, Gachagua’s call for change may resonate with many in the region who feel that their interests are not being adequately addressed. The launch of his new political formation could offer an avenue for fresh ideas, new leadership, and a stronger voice for Mt. Kenya at the national level.
What’s Next for Gachagua and the UDA?
As the political drama unfolds, the coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of both Gachagua’s new political outfit and UDA’s grip on the Mt. Kenya region. If Gachagua is successful in rallying a significant portion of the region’s electorate behind his new party, it could shake up the political order ahead of the 2027 elections, setting the stage for an intense political battle in Kenya’s most powerful voting bloc.
While it remains unclear whether Gachagua’s call for a break from UDA will gain the momentum he hopes for, one thing is certain: Mt. Kenya is once again at the center of a political storm, and the region’s future political direction will have a profound impact on the country’s broader political landscape.
In the meantime, the coming months will likely see heated discussions and a race to secure alliances, with President Ruto’s government and Gachagua both positioning themselves for the inevitable power struggle that is shaping up in the heart of Kenya’s politics.
