Mount Kenya Divided: Gachagua vs. Kindiki in Rift

: Mount Kenya faces deep political divisions as Gachagua warns of a repeat of
past strategies. Kindiki’s rise as Deputy President intensifies the rift.

Mount Kenya, once a unified and powerful political force, now finds itself fractured as internal
tensions intensify, creating divisions between the region’s East and West factions.

The split comes after Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s ascension to the Deputy President position, a role
previously held by the now-impeached Rigathi Gachagua.

In his new capacity, Kindiki has quickly become a bridge between Mount Kenya and President
William Ruto’s administration.

However, Gachagua, removed from office, perceives this shift as part of a broader strategy to
diminish the region’s influence, triggering concerns over the unity of Mount Kenya.

Gachagua’s Warning: A Dangerous Precedent?

In a heated interview on Muuga FM, Gachagua shared his apprehension about the evolving
political dynamics, drawing a stark comparison to tactics used during former President Daniel
arap Moi’s reign.

“This feels like the strategy Moi used to divide the mountain,” he remarked, recalling the divisive
regional rhetoric that splintered Central Kenya during the 1992 elections.

Gachagua’s reference to historical events, such as the rivalry between presidential candidates
Kenneth Matiba and Mwai Kibaki, underscores his fear that regional fragmentation could once
again leave Mount Kenya on the sidelines
“Back then, they promoted divisions, saying, ‘Kiambu has had the presidency twice, Nyeri
once—now it’s Murang’a’s turn,’” Gachagua recalled, warning that such tactics might underminethe region’s collective political strength.

A Regional Rift: Legislators Back Kindiki

Amid growing tensions, 69 legislators from Central Kenya formally pledged support for Kindiki,
positioning him as the region’s link to the presidency.
This endorsement was seen by many as a strategic move to streamline government functions
and ensure that Mount Kenya’s development needs are met.

Supporters believe Kindiki’s leadership could bring much-needed focus to the region’s political
aspirations.
However, Gachagua views the endorsement as a direct challenge to his longstanding role in the
administration. For him, the unity of Mount Kenya has always been a cornerstone of its political
influence.
“We had the numbers to win, but without unity, we lost our grip on power,” Gachagua said,
pointing to the success of the Kibaki and Kenyatta presidencies, which were underpinned by
regional solidarity.

Impeachment Looms: The Intensification of Political Struggles

As the regional divide deepens, Gachagua’s political future hangs in the balance.

A motion to impeach him is set for debate, with reports indicating nearly 300 signatures backing
the effort.

The motion accuses Gachagua of fostering tribalism and failing to represent the broader
interests of Kenyans.
Gachagua has vehemently rejected the accusations, stating that his political stances, such as
his opposition to the controversial Tax Bill and demolitions, have been misinterpreted as
divisive.

“My removal is being driven by those who disagree with my stance on key issues,” Gachagua
asserted. He raised concerns about the sudden emergence of tribalism accusations,
questioning why they were never an issue during his campaign alongside President Ruto.

Key Figures and Political Alliances

Notable political leaders, including Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula,
and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, are among those who backed the impeachment
motion, lending it significant weight. According to Osoro, “There was a rush among members to
sign the motion,” indicating widespread support for Gachagua’s removal.

A Divided Mount Kenya: Looking Ahead

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the future of Mount Kenya’s influence remains
uncertain.
With Gachagua impeached, the once-solid unity of the region now faces the threat of
permanent fracture. Despite these challenges, Gachagua remains resolute in his commitment to
preserving the unity of Mount Kenya.

“This isn’t about me; it’s about the future of our people,” Gachagua emphasised, reiterating his
determination to bridge the divide between the East and West factions. He warned that allowing
the region to remain divided could result in it losing its power and influence on the national
stage. “If we allow ourselves to be divided, we may find ourselves watching from the sidelines
once again,” he concluded.