Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his campaign to consolidate the Mt. Kenya voting bloc, publicly appealing to be crowned the region's political kingpin ahead of a declared presidential bid in 2027. In a calculated political maneuver, Gachagua has also announced a strategic partnership with the Akamba community, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, aiming to create a formidable alliance to unseat his former boss, President William Ruto.

Speaking at various events, Gachagua has passionately urged voters in the Mt. Kenya region to rally behind him. "Allow me to plan our 2027 contest. Let me coordinate the drive to get loyal leaders who cannot betray our interests…I beg you to uplift me as your leader," he was quoted saying on Saturday, November 2, 2025. Gachagua framed his ambition as a sacrifice for the community's interests, stating he has placed his "position, life, and wealth in danger for the sake of this community."

Central to his 2027 strategy is the formation of a political bloc combining his Mt. Kenya support base with the Akamba nation's votes. Gachagua and Musyoka have revealed plans to approach the election with a combined head start of what they estimate to be 12 million votes. "Our secret weapon is Gema plus Akamba," Gachagua stated, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between the two communities. "The Akamba are part of Mt Kenya communities and in that unity, we will venture out to seek more partnership with other communities and their leaders for an emphatic win."

A Decisive Break from Ruto

These developments mark a complete political break from President Ruto, under whom Gachagua served for two years before his impeachment in October 2024. The former Deputy President has unequivocally ruled out any possibility of reconciliation, dismissing online rumors of secret talks. "It is not in my wildest dreams to seek a reunion with President Ruto and his allies. They remain my top priority to work towards their defeat in 2027," Gachagua declared. He has been a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, promising to scrap the controversial housing levy and accusing the President of using state resources to divide the Mt. Kenya region.

Gachagua formally announced his presidential candidacy in September 2025, asserting he is the best-suited opposition figure to challenge the incumbent. "I am firmly in the Presidential race for a better Kenya," he stated on September 13, 2025. His campaign is being run through his new political vehicle, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he intends to use to secure a clean sweep of elective posts in the Mt. Kenya region.

The Shifting Mt. Kenya Landscape

Gachagua's bid for regional supremacy is not without its challenges. The Mt. Kenya region, historically a monolithic voting bloc, is currently facing significant political fragmentation. President Ruto's allies, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, are actively working to counter Gachagua's influence and consolidate support for the government. This has created a complex battleground where multiple factions are vying for control.

Political analysts note that the region's unity, which was a cornerstone of its influence under former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, is being tested. Gachagua's strategy appears to be a direct response to this fragmentation, aiming to re-establish a single center of power. His alliance with Kalonzo Musyoka is a critical component of this, potentially reshaping national political alignments. The Wiper leader has also signaled his readiness for the alliance, stating on February 22, 2025, his intention to work with Gachagua, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Martha Karua to address national challenges.

As the 2027 election cycle draws closer, Gachagua's efforts to be crowned Mt. Kenya's kingpin and his burgeoning alliance with the Akamba community represent one of the most significant early challenges to President Ruto's re-election campaign. The success of this strategy will depend on his ability to unify a divided home region while navigating the complex dynamics of coalition-building on the national stage.