Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has compared President William Ruto’s current political situation to what former President Daniel arap Moi went through in the tense 1992 election season.
Gachagua made the remarks during a burial ceremony in Kakuzi-Mitumbiri, Gatanga Constituency, where he repeated claims that powerful groups are working to break the unity of the Mt. Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to Gachagua, several media reports that came out later seemed to echo what our platform had already highlighted earlier—raising questions about renewed interest in Mt. Kenya’s political direction and the growing tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking at the funeral of Herbert Kariithi, the husband of Murang’a Woman Representative aspirant Pelagiah Muthoni, Gachagua said he believes he is standing in the way of what he calls a deliberate attempt to scatter Mt. Kenya votes.
He argued that President Ruto is currently politically “cornered,” just like Moi was more than 30 years ago.
“President Ruto has pressure from all sides—Mt. Kenya, Lower Eastern, Nairobi, Coast. This is the same situation Moi found himself in during 1992 when he was rejected by this region,” he said.
Gachagua went on to explain how, despite facing resistance from Mt. Kenya at the time, Moi managed to return to power by taking advantage of divisions among leading opposition candidates.
He recalled that in 1992, prominent leaders such as Kenneth Matiba, Mwai Kibaki, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga all ran separately, splitting the vote.
According to Gachagua, several media reports that came out later seemed to echo what our platform had already highlighted earlier—raising questions about renewed interest in Mt. Kenya’s political direction and the growing tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking at the funeral of Herbert Kariithi, the husband of Murang’a Woman Representative aspirant Pelagiah Muthoni, Gachagua said he believes he is standing in the way of what he calls a deliberate attempt to scatter Mt. Kenya votes.
He argued that President Ruto is currently politically “cornered,” just like Moi was more than 30 years ago.
“President Ruto has pressure from all sides—Mt. Kenya, Lower Eastern, Nairobi, Coast. This is the same situation Moi found himself in during 1992 when he was rejected by this region,” he said.
Gachagua went on to explain how, despite facing resistance from Mt. Kenya at the time, Moi managed to return to power by taking advantage of divisions among leading opposition candidates.
He recalled that in 1992, prominent leaders such as Kenneth Matiba, Mwai Kibaki, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga all ran separately, splitting the vote.
Matiba won strong support in Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru, while Kibaki dominated Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, and Embu. Jaramogi swept the Nyanza region.
According to Gachagua, the opposition collectively gathered more votes than Moi, but because they were divided, Moi was able to win the presidency with fewer total votes.
Gachagua warned that the same strategy is being revived today.
“What is happening now is very similar. Ruto’s people believe their only chance in 2027 is to break Mt. Kenya’s unity. If the region stays together, they have no path to winning,” he claimed.
He positioned himself as the biggest obstacle to those alleged plans, saying this is why he has been facing constant attacks.
“The only thing stopping the plan to divide Mt. Kenya voters is Riggy G. That is why they are targeting me and calling me tribal,” he said.
Gachagua rejected accusations that he is stirring ethnic politics. Instead, he blamed Kenya’s challenges on corruption, misuse of public funds, violation of rights, and the loss of young lives during recent protests.
“The problem in Kenya is not tribalism. The problem is stealing government money, violating human rights, killing our Gen Zs, and selling public property,” he argued.
This is not the first time he has made such claims. Earlier in October 2025, while speaking in Mbeere South, Gachagua accused President Ruto of strengthening unity among Kalenjin communities while encouraging division in Mt. Kenya.
He insisted that Mt. Kenya residents must stay united and avoid leaders he says are being used to weaken the region politically.
“For Ruto to remain in power, he believes he must divide Mt. Kenya. But we are not fools. Let us keep our votes together and refuse to be separated by him or his allies,” he said.
Gachagua also urged voters to reject leaders who he believes are aligning themselves with the alleged plan to divide the region.
The former Deputy President’s remarks are expected to further elevate tensions within Kenya Kwanza as the 2027 general election draws closer, especially as political re-grouping gains momentum across the country.
According to Gachagua, the opposition collectively gathered more votes than Moi, but because they were divided, Moi was able to win the presidency with fewer total votes.
Gachagua warned that the same strategy is being revived today.
“What is happening now is very similar. Ruto’s people believe their only chance in 2027 is to break Mt. Kenya’s unity. If the region stays together, they have no path to winning,” he claimed.
He positioned himself as the biggest obstacle to those alleged plans, saying this is why he has been facing constant attacks.
“The only thing stopping the plan to divide Mt. Kenya voters is Riggy G. That is why they are targeting me and calling me tribal,” he said.
Gachagua rejected accusations that he is stirring ethnic politics. Instead, he blamed Kenya’s challenges on corruption, misuse of public funds, violation of rights, and the loss of young lives during recent protests.
“The problem in Kenya is not tribalism. The problem is stealing government money, violating human rights, killing our Gen Zs, and selling public property,” he argued.
This is not the first time he has made such claims. Earlier in October 2025, while speaking in Mbeere South, Gachagua accused President Ruto of strengthening unity among Kalenjin communities while encouraging division in Mt. Kenya.
He insisted that Mt. Kenya residents must stay united and avoid leaders he says are being used to weaken the region politically.
“For Ruto to remain in power, he believes he must divide Mt. Kenya. But we are not fools. Let us keep our votes together and refuse to be separated by him or his allies,” he said.
Gachagua also urged voters to reject leaders who he believes are aligning themselves with the alleged plan to divide the region.
The former Deputy President’s remarks are expected to further elevate tensions within Kenya Kwanza as the 2027 general election draws closer, especially as political re-grouping gains momentum across the country.
