Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up efforts to penetrate President William Ruto's political backyard after hosting a delegation from Subukia Constituency in Nakuru County, signalling an intensifying contest for support in the vote-rich Rift Valley ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting, held at Mr Gachagua's Wamunyoro residence on Thursday, comes amid a series of consultations with leaders from different parts of the country that the former deputy president says are aimed at building a national movement for political change.
Although the visit was described as a courtesy call, its political significance lies in the origin of the delegation. Nakuru County has for years been one of President Ruto's key support bases and remains a strategic battleground in the Rift Valley, a region that overwhelmingly backed him in the 2022 General Election.
Gachagua said the Subukia delegation expressed frustration with the current administration and called for a leadership that is responsive to the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
"The people of Subukia want change; they need a leadership that cares and listens to them just like the 55 million Kenyans want," he said.
He thanked the delegation for what he termed as their courage in openly expressing their views during what he described as nationwide consultations on Kenya's political future.
"I have thanked them for their courage to step out and speak their mind in the ongoing consultations about the liberation of our nation," he said.
The former deputy president said the discussions had centred on the country's political direction ahead of the next General Election.
"We have agreed with them on the verdict of August 10, 2027. The Future is Green. Consultations continue," he added.
The meeting is the latest in a string of engagements at Wamunyoro, where Mr Gachagua has hosted delegations drawn from various counties, professional groups, religious leaders and grassroots representatives in recent months.
The consultations have become a key feature of his political strategy as he seeks to position himself as the face of an emerging opposition alliance seeking to unseat President Ruto in 2027.
Political analysts say Mr Gachagua's decision to receive delegations from the Rift Valley reflects an attempt to expand his influence beyond the Mt Kenya region, where he enjoys significant support following his fallout with the President.
The Rift Valley has traditionally been regarded as President Ruto's political fortress, consistently delivering large voting blocs that have underpinned his rise to national leadership. Nakuru, with its ethnic diversity and sizeable electorate, is considered one of the region's most influential counties and is expected to play a decisive role in the next presidential contest.
Winning support in the county would therefore represent more than a symbolic political victory. It would signal that President Ruto's grip on parts of his traditional support base is facing a challenge from a former ally who has become one of his fiercest critics.
Mr Gachagua has in recent months accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of abandoning the principles on which it was elected and has consistently called for what he terms a people-centred government that listens to citizens.
"His latest engagement with leaders from Subukia is likely to heighten political activity in the Rift Valley as rival camps begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 race," James Maina a political analyst explained.
Maina added that with nearly a year before formal campaigns are expected to gather momentum, both President Ruto and his opponents appear keen to consolidate support in regions that could determine the outcome of the next election.
