Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday intensified his political onslaught against President William Ruto’s administration, rallying support in Mt Kenya while sharply criticising the government’s handling of insecurity in Meru County.
Speaking at Kahatia in Murang’a County during a meeting attended by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Gachagua urged residents to remain united, saying their resolve would shape the country’s political future.
“Listening to you this afternoon, I am confident that we are united in purpose,” he said, adding: “History has repeatedly shown the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity.”
The former deputy president, however, turned his focus to rising bandit attacks in Meru, condemning what he described as “senseless violence and brutality” against residents.
“We shall not accept this. We shall resist. And we will stand with the people of Meru to the very end,” he said.
Gachagua linked the insecurity to what he termed political and economic neglect, accusing the government of failing in its core duty to protect citizens.
“This ongoing banditry must come to an end, and there should be no more stories of violence,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing concern over insecurity in parts of Meru and neighbouring counties, where banditry has persisted despite repeated security operations.
The rally also underscored the deepening political fallout between Gachagua and President Ruto, once close allies who teamed up to win the 2022 General Election with strong backing from the Mt Kenya region.
The region delivered millions of votes to Ruto, playing a decisive role in his victory. However, recent months have seen signs of discontent, with sections of leaders and residents expressing frustration over economic hardships and perceived marginalisation.
Gachagua has increasingly sought to tap into this discontent, positioning himself as a key voice in the region and directly challenging the President’s influence in what was once his political stronghold.
Sunday’s meeting in Murang’a is part of a broader push by the former deputy president to consolidate support in Mt Kenya, even as the region begins to emerge as a battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The presence of Kalonzo and Wamalwa pointed to ongoing efforts to build a wider political alliance, although the leaders did not formally announce any coalition.
Analysts say early political mobilisation and messaging around issues such as insecurity and the cost of living could shape voter sentiment in the coming months, particularly in regions that were previously considered politically settled.
