Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament, Ngunjiri Wambugu, has vowed to accelerate his political attacks against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, signaling a deepening rift between the two erstwhile allies over the strategic direction of Mt. Kenya politics. The conflict, which has been simmering for months, centers on what Wambugu describes as Gachagua's attempt to impose an "unwelcome dictatorship" on the region through his new political vehicle, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

The public fallout marks a significant realignment in the region's political landscape, which remains a critical battleground for the upcoming 2027 general election. Wambugu, a former communications strategist for Gachagua, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the former deputy president's methods, arguing that the push for a single dominant party stifles democratic diversity and undermines the electorate's ability to choose leaders based on merit rather than party waves.

The Genesis of the Conflict

The schism between the two politicians became public in early 2025, following Gachagua's impeachment in October 2024 and his subsequent launch of the DCP in May 2025. Gachagua, who served as President William Ruto's deputy, has since rebranded himself as an opposition figure, aiming to consolidate the Mt. Kenya voting bloc under his new party. His strategy has involved urging voters to reject elected leaders still aligned with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the very party that brought him to power.

Wambugu, who remains a member of the Jubilee Party, has strongly opposed this move. In a series of public statements, he has accused Gachagua of hypocrisy, pointing out that Gachagua himself campaigned vigorously against Jubilee's dominance in the run-up to the 2022 elections. "Gachagua is obsessed with becoming a Raila Odinga in Mt. Kenya, dictating who gets elected and who doesn't," Wambugu stated in a June 2025 interview, arguing that such an approach is detrimental to the region's political health.

A War of Words

The feud has escalated in recent weeks. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Wambugu criticized Gachagua for attacking the same government he was a key part of for two years, calling it political double standards. He argued that Gachagua cannot credibly distance himself from the administration's perceived failings. This followed a statement from Gachagua in Murang'a where he accused the President of betraying the Mt. Kenya region.

Even a directive from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the leader of the Jubilee Party, to cease attacks on Gachagua has not deterred Wambugu. On November 7, 2025, Wambugu clarified his stance, stating that while he would refrain from insults as per Kenyatta's request, he would continue to "expose" the former deputy president's political manoeuvres. That same day, he publicly ridiculed a promise by Gachagua to nominate his young online defenders for Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions.

Implications for Mt. Kenya and 2027

This political battle is more than a personal disagreement; it reflects a broader struggle for the soul of Mt. Kenya, a region with over two million registered voters that is crucial for any presidential contender. Gachagua's impeachment was viewed by many in the region as a political betrayal and has created a volatile political environment. His efforts to form a united opposition front, including alliances with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i, are aimed at challenging President Ruto's re-election bid.

Wambugu's resistance highlights the fragmentation within the region's leadership. Analysts note that a split in the Mt. Kenya vote could significantly impact the outcome of the 2027 election. President Ruto's allies are reportedly concerned about losing their grip on the region, which provided overwhelming support in 2022. Wambugu's campaign against a regional kingpin model and for multi-party democracy could resonate with a segment of the electorate wary of enforced political loyalty. While Wambugu has stated his differences with Gachagua are based on principle and not personal, and has even signaled a willingness to collaborate in the future for pragmatic purposes, his current offensive adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding 2027 succession politics.