NewsUpdated: 21 July 2026 14:54 EAT
Photo courtesy: Safina Party Leader Jimmy Wanjigi shares light moments with DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hosted businessman and political strategist Jimi Wanjigi at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri as he continues consultations on Kenya’s political future ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said the engagement was part of a wider consultation process involving different political players and opinion leaders, noting that the views and advice of experienced figures would be important in shaping what he described as the journey towards national liberation.
The meeting places Wanjigi among the growing number of political figures engaging with Gachagua after his exit from government, with Wamunyoro increasingly becoming a centre for political discussions involving leaders from across the country.
Wanjigi, a businessman with a long history of involvement in Kenyan politics, has previously participated in presidential campaign strategies and built networks across different political formations. His engagement with Gachagua adds a national dimension to the former deputy president’s political activities.
For Mount Kenya politics, the meeting reinforces Gachagua’s efforts to maintain influence in a region that played a major role in President William Ruto’s 2022 election victory. Since leaving office, Gachagua has been seeking to position himself as a key voice in determining the region’s political direction.
The former deputy president has repeatedly accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of abandoning promises made to Mount Kenya voters, claims the government has rejected while maintaining that it continues to deliver development projects across the country.
The growing political activity around Wamunyoro could complicate President Ruto’s efforts to retain strong support in Mount Kenya, which remains one of the most politically influential regions due to its large voter population and historical role in national elections.
Ruto’s 2022 victory was heavily supported by voters from Mount Kenya after he secured the backing of then Deputy President Gachagua, who helped mobilise the region behind the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
However, the political relationship between Ruto and Gachagua deteriorated after disagreements emerged over issues including regional representation, government appointments and political strategy, eventually leading to Gachagua’s removal from office through impeachment proceedings.
The latest consultations suggest that the 2027 contest could see intense competition for control of Mount Kenya’s political support, with different camps seeking to influence voters in the region.
Political analysts have noted that Gachagua’s challenge will be expanding his influence beyond his traditional base while building alliances capable of competing nationally.
The involvement of figures such as Wanjigi indicates that discussions are moving beyond regional politics towards possible broader opposition coordination.
For Ruto, a strong opposition alliance anchored by Gachagua and other political figures could present a major challenge, especially if it succeeds in consolidating anti-government sentiment across different regions.
However, the success of such efforts will depend on whether opposition leaders can agree on leadership structures, a presidential candidate and a common agenda before the 2027 election.
The Gachagua-Wanjigi meeting therefore signals that political realignments are already taking shape, with Mount Kenya expected to remain a crucial battleground in determining Kenya’s next administration.
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