Kenya, April 24 -- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted a significant meeting with grassroots leaders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Thursday, signalling his ongoing efforts to consolidate political support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
The delegation, led by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, marks a pivotal moment in Gachagua's bid to unite the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a post on X, Gachagua expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, "I had the pleasure of meeting a delegation from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties today. In the fullness of time, our nation, Kenya, belongs to us all - a people determined to bequeath our future generation a strong economy."
The gathering focused on discussions about forming a new political party to represent the interests of Kenyans, particularly those in the Mt Kenya region, according to sources familiar with the meeting.
The presence of Linturi, a prominent Meru leader and key figure in the 2022 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaigns, underscores Gachagua's strategy to mend ties with influential figures sidelined by the current administration.
Linturi's alignment with Gachagua comes amid speculation of a growing rift with President William Ruto, whose absence from the region has fuelled discontent among local leaders.
Locals hailed the meeting as evidence that "the mountain is solid and united", with some describing Linturi's involvement as a "big blow" to Ruto's influence in Mt Kenya.
The Wamunyoro residence has emerged as Gachagua's political nerve centre since his impeachment in October 2024, hosting a series of meetings with leaders from across the region and beyond.
Thursday's engagement follows a similar meeting with Meru grassroots leaders on April 19, where Gachagua reiterated his commitment to building a party that "echoes the voices of all Kenyans".
The recurring gatherings signal a deliberate grassroots mobilisation effort, contrasting with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's state-backed meetings in Nairobi, which Gachagua has criticised as "political bribery".
Political analysts view Gachagua's outreach as a calculated move to reclaim the Mt Kenya voting bloc, which overwhelmingly supported Ruto in 2022 but has grown disillusioned over unfulfilled promises and Gachagua's ouster.
"Gachagua is leveraging his deep-rooted connections to position himself as the region's champion," said political commentator Jane Wambui. "Linturi's defection, if confirmed, could signal a broader realignment in Meru and Tharaka Nithi."
However, allies of President Ruto, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, have downplayed Gachagua's efforts, labelling them as "premature" and divisive.
Njuki recently dismissed calls for a new party, urging leaders to focus on development over political squabbles.
Meanwhile, Kindiki's parallel meetings in Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi aim to counter Gachagua's influence, with the Deputy President emphasising development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.