A deepening political feud between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his erstwhile ally, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is threatening to permanently reshape the political dynamics of the Mount Kenya region and the broader Kenyan opposition. What began as divergent political paths during the 2022 elections has morphed into a public rivalry, with both camps openly questioning each other's motives and allegiance in the national opposition framework. This power struggle not only jeopardizes the formation of a united front against President William Ruto but also signals a generational and ideological battle for the heart of Central Kenya politics.

The latest flashpoint in their strained relationship emerged over by-elections, where Mr. Gachagua has criticized Mr. Kenyatta's Jubilee Party for fielding candidates against his newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Mr. Gachagua has characterized Jubilee as a "red wheelbarrow," insinuating it is secretly working with President Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), whose symbol is a yellow wheelbarrow. This accusation came shortly after Kenyatta, on November 7, 2025, publicly cautioned Jubilee officials against insulting Gachagua, a move that was initially seen as an olive branch.

Allies of Kenyatta, however, have fired back, accusing Gachagua of being a "project" of President Ruto, aimed at dividing the opposition from within. Jubilee's Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, has publicly claimed that Gachagua is not genuinely committed to the opposition's cause. These mutual suspicions highlight a profound lack of trust that analysts believe could cripple any unified effort to challenge the current administration in 2027.

The Roots of the Conflict

The relationship between Kenyatta and Gachagua, who once served as Kenyatta's personal assistant, soured dramatically during the 2022 presidential campaigns. Kenyatta, then the outgoing president, controversially bypassed his then-deputy, William Ruto, to endorse opposition leader Raila Odinga. Gachagua, as Ruto's running mate, became one of the fiercest critics of the Kenyatta administration, a stance he maintained even during his inaugural speech as Deputy President. This public rebuke on a national stage was seen by many as a significant breach of political decorum that created deep-seated animosity.

Following his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua initially adopted a reconciliatory tone, even apologizing to Kenyatta and the Mount Kenya community for the vitriolic attacks during the campaigns. He positioned himself as a defender of the region's interests against perceived marginalization by the Ruto administration. However, this rapprochement appears to have been short-lived. By October 2025, Gachagua had retracted his apology, stating he had no reason to apologize as both he and Kenyatta had backed flawed candidates in 2022.

Implications for Mount Kenya and National Politics

The feud is unfolding as a battle for political dominance in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, which has historically been a crucial bloc in national elections. Kenyatta, as the leader of the Jubilee Party, has recently endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i as the party's potential presidential flagbearer for 2027. This move is widely seen as an attempt by Kenyatta to maintain his influence and groom a successor for the region's leadership.

Conversely, Gachagua is actively consolidating support for his DCP party, positioning it as the authentic voice of the region and the political vehicle of the future. His allies argue that Jubilee represents the past and that Gachagua is the present and future of Mount Kenya politics. This has created a direct clash for control, with both factions accusing the other of weakening the region's bargaining power by causing internal divisions.

Political analysts suggest the ongoing conflict could ultimately benefit President Ruto, whose UDA party swept the region in the 2022 elections, largely defeating Kenyatta's Jubilee candidates. A divided Mount Kenya would be less capable of mounting a formidable challenge to UDA's dominance. The situation has prompted a realignment of political forces, with some leaders who were previously allied with Kenyatta now finding common cause with Gachagua in their opposition to President Ruto.

As both leaders continue to organize their respective political camps, the trajectory of their rivalry remains a critical factor for the future of Kenyan politics. Whether they can find common ground or continue on a collision course will likely determine the unity of the national opposition and the political fate of the Mount Kenya region for years to come. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.