In politics, there are no permanent enemies. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dropped a bombshell by declaring his readiness to work with his former nemesis, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. The move signals a major realignment in Mt Kenya politics as Gachagua seeks to consolidate the region against the current administration.

Speaking at a burial in Murang’a, Gachagua expressed regret for the "divisive words" spoken during the 2022 campaign. "I was misled," he told the crowd. "Uhuru is our son. We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater."

The "Unity of Purpose" Strategy

Analysts view this pivot as a survival tactic. Gachagua, currently isolated by the UDA machinery, needs the legitimacy that the Kenyatta family name still commands in the region. By invoking Uhuru, he is tapping into a nostalgia for the previous regime's economic stability.

• The Limuru III Factor: The call for unity aligns with the upcoming "Limuru III" conference, where Gachagua hopes to be crowned the undisputed Kingpin. Without Uhuru’s blessing—or at least his neutrality—that crown remains elusive.
• The Reaction: Uhuru’s camp has remained silent, but his allies have welcomed the "prodigal son." However, critics in the government warn that an Uhuru-Gachagua alliance would be a "coalition of the bitter" aimed at destabilizing the country.

Redrawing the Map

If Gachagua succeeds in burying the hatchet, he creates a formidable bloc that President Ruto cannot ignore. The Mountain, once split down the middle, is showing signs of knitting itself back together—and that spells trouble for 2027.