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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been trying to consolidate the vote rich Mt Kenya region as the country prepares itself for the forthcoming general elections to be held in August next year.
Hon Gachagua is hoping to have a formidable United Opposition that will unseat the incumbent President Dr William Samoei Arap Ruto, who ensured that he was impeached.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has ruled out joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), signaling that she intends to maintain her own political path as competition for influence in the Mt Kenya region intensifies.
Waiguru’s position comes amid renewed efforts by Gachagua and his allies to expand the DCP’s presence across the region ahead of the 2027 General Election. The former deputy president has been actively building support in Mt Kenya, with several local leaders showing interest in his political movement.
The governor’s decision is significant because of her influence in Kirinyaga and her longstanding role in national politics. Her refusal to defect to DCP is likely to fuel further debate over the political direction of the region, where different factions are seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next elections.
Waiguru has previously maintained that political leaders should not rush into alliances before the electoral contest becomes clearer. She has also questioned the political strategy of following emerging movements without a clear understanding of their objectives.
Her latest stance places her on a different political trajectory from Gachagua, whose DCP has been seeking to strengthen its grassroots networks in Kirinyaga and other parts of Central Kenya.
The disagreement also highlights the wider contest for political influence within Mt Kenya. Gachagua has presented himself as a leading voice for the region, while other leaders have maintained that the community should retain the freedom to make independent political decisions.
Gachagua’s political activities in Kirinyaga have already attracted significant attention. In March, a group of county assembly members visited him and indicated support for his party, demonstrating the growing competition for local political backing.
Waiguru’s decision therefore sets the stage for continued political rivalry as leaders position themselves ahead of 2027. Her refusal to join DCP could also encourage other politicians to maintain independent positions rather than immediately aligning with emerging political formations.
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