Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that President William Ruto should abandon any hopes of securing Mt Kenya votes in the 2027 elections, stating that the region does not forgive political betrayal.
Speaking on Inooro TV during an interview on Sunday, Gachagua revealed that Mt Kenya leaders are already exploring alliances with politicians such as Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Governor George Natembeya to strengthen their position in the next government.
“Mt Kenya votes will never go to anyone cheaply. Come rain come sunshine, our votes will never make us slaves again. Of all the possibilities, Mt Kenya will not be with Ruto in 2027,” Gachagua said.
He further accused President Ruto of attempting to divide the region and alienate its leadership.
“Mt Kenya will not walk the same political journey with those among us who are working with President Ruto to split us. The communities that want to partner with us for 2027 are many. President Ruto is getting isolated,” he added.
The fallout between Dr Ruto and his former deputy began just two years into their administration. Relations soured to the point where Parliament impeached Gachagua on October 17. Prof Kithure Kindiki was sworn in as Deputy President on 1 November, replacing him.
Now out of office, Gachagua has become a vocal critic of Kenya Kwanza and is riding on the growing discontent in Mt Kenya over perceived neglect by the administration.
Meanwhile, President Ruto appears to be making efforts to mend fences with the region. Recently, he held talks with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in an apparent bid to rebuild his standing in the vote-rich region.
However, Gachagua dismissed these efforts as irrelevant to Mt Kenya’s political direction.
“Kenyatta, our king, knows that Mt Kenya never takes orders from anyone. The area people decide and order their leaders where to go. Kenyatta’s talks with President Ruto are their own private affairs. Mt Kenya has moved on. No level of intimidation, persecution and atonement tricks by President Ruto will work. Mt Kenya treats betrayal as an unforgivable sin,” he said.
