Gachagua readies for showdown with Ruto as he announces planned launch of new political party

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he will unveil his new political party within two weeks, sending a strong message to his supporters in the Mt Kenya region as he prepares for a potential political showdown with President William Ruto.

Speaking at Matanya PCEA Church in Laikipia County on Sunday, Gachagua confirmed that he was finalising consultations and would announce his plans in a live television interview early next month.

"In two weeks, I will give you direction, and I will do it in a live television interview. Currently, I am still consulting, but early next month, I will make a pronouncement," Gachagua said.

Several leaders who spoke at the event appeared to intensify pressure on Gachagua to reveal his political direction, particularly regarding the party he intends to lead. Among them was former Laikipia Women Representative Cate Waruguru, who hinted that the party may have blue as its colour.

However, it remains unclear whether Gachagua and his allies are planning to align with the Party of National Unity (PNU), or if they are aiming to launch a completely new party.

Gachagua assured his supporters that once the new party's structure is established, he would seek to form alliances with like-minded leaders from other regions of the country to create a formidable political force.

He revealed that talks were underway with leaders such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

"We are in talks with leaders from other parts of the country to form a strong alliance," Gachagua said.

Recently, the office of the Registrar of Political Parties granted provisional registration certificates to several parties as they seek full registration in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Warning to MPs

Gachagua also sent a stern warning to MPs in his region who are seen as loyal to President Ruto, telling them to prepare for political defeat in 2027.

"Those MPs who are singing to the tune of the President should prepare to go home in 2027. I call upon my supporters to vote them out when the time comes," he said, reiterating his position as a potential kingmaker in the next election cycle.

While Gachagua has not confirmed his plans to seek an elective seat in 2027, he warned that if he is not cleared by the courts, where he is challenging his impeachment, he would play a significant role in shaping the region's political landscape.

Reflecting on his growing disillusionment with President Ruto’s administration, Gachagua detailed how the rift between the two began shortly after the 2022 elections.

He recalled the failure to select a representative from the Mt Kenya region to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as one of the first signs of betrayal.

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• Gachagua readies for showdown with Ruto as he announces planned launch of new political party
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"The first sign of betrayal by this government was during the selection of EALA MPs. We had agreed on those to take the seats, but he ended up deceiving me," Gachagua said.

He added that after a period of negotiation, the region managed to secure two slots, but the episode left him feeling that President Ruto was not committed to the region’s interests, only using its votes to ascend to power.

Criminal groups

Gachagua also warned the government against attempting to revive criminal groups, such as Mungiki, which had been active during the presidency of the late Daniel arap Moi. He argued that such moves would be detrimental to the government’s popularity.

"History is repeating itself since the same gangs were used to terrorise government critics during late President Moi’s time. Those in authority should know that by sponsoring criminal gangs and goons, they are becoming unpopular," Gachagua warned.

His remarks come after former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga publicly distanced himself from the group, declaring that he now leads a group of law-abiding youth. Njenga, who has expressed support for President Ruto, recently led a group of youths to disrupt a prayer meeting in Nyeri Town, forcing Pastor Dorcas Rigathi to be evacuated due to rising tensions.

The Sunday service at Matanya Church also saw heightened tension, as word spread that youths affiliated with Njenga were planning to disrupt the event. However, in the absence of police, local youths took charge of security, manning the only entry point to the church and screening attendees before granting them access.