A fresh political tremor has shaken the Mt Kenya region after former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri declared that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s influence now surpasses that of his impeached predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. Ngunjiri’s assertion lands just as the dust settles on a bruising by-election that many saw as a direct proxy war between the two political heavyweights.

This is not merely political noise; it is a significant challenge to the narrative that Gachagua remains the undisputed kingpin of the mountain. For the average Kenyan family in Murang'a, Nyeri, or Embu, this power struggle is critical. It shapes who controls the region's development agenda and who will champion their interests for national resources, directly impacting everything from road construction to agricultural subsidies.

Ngunjiri, a once staunch ally of the ruling coalition, argued that Gachagua's support is not as deep-rooted as perceived. "Gachagua is not influential," Ngunjiri stated in a recent television interview, attributing the former DP's following to "sympathy votes and support from the tribal region" following his ouster in October 2024.

A Battleground in Mbeere North

The claims gain weight in the context of the fiercely contested Mbeere North parliamentary by-election on November 27, 2025. The poll was transformed into a high-stakes political battlefield, pitting Deputy President Kindiki against his predecessor. Both men camped in the constituency, mobilizing support for their respective candidates in a bid to assert dominance over the vote-rich region.

The victory of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Muthende, who was backed by Kindiki, is being widely interpreted as a strategic win for the Deputy President. It serves as a tangible piece of evidence bolstering Ngunjiri's claims and suggests a potential shift in the region's political currents. Political analyst Julius Kairu noted the by-election was a “political battle of the deputies” seeking relevance. The result, analysts say, cements Kindiki's position as President William Ruto's key anchor in Mt Kenya.

Gachagua's Resurgence Tested

Since his impeachment, Rigathi Gachagua has worked tirelessly to consolidate his base, launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and positioning himself as a formidable opposition figure. He has framed his removal from office as a betrayal of the Mt Kenya region and has been rallying support to challenge the government he once served.

However, Ngunjiri has been openly critical of what he calls Gachagua's divisive "Mlima politics" (mountain-focused politics). This internal criticism from a notable regional figure, combined with the by-election setback, presents a significant hurdle to Gachagua's resurgence. While his ability to mobilize a competitive campaign shows he retains significant influence, the loss indicates his grip may not be absolute.

The unfolding rivalry has profound implications. As Deputy President, Kindiki is focusing on spearheading multibillion-shilling development projects to solidify his support, from the Sh7 billion (approx. KES 910 billion) redesign of the Nithi Bridge to market upgrades. This strategy of projects over politics appears to be gaining traction, challenging Gachagua's more confrontational approach.

As the 2027 election cycle inches closer, the battle for Mt Kenya is only set to intensify. The question now is whether Gachagua can counter Kindiki's state-backed development agenda and prove his influence extends beyond sympathy. As one Gachagua ally warned after the Mbeere North loss, “The entire government was in Mbeere North. In 2027, they won't have resources to fight like this.”