The political landscape surrounding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has become increasingly treacherous, reminiscent of the Biblical betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Gachagua, once a formidable figure within the Mt Kenya region, now finds himself isolated as many of his closest allies abandon him during this critical time.
Echoing the sentiments of British politician Henry John Temple, Gachagua is realizing the harsh truth that in politics, there are “no eternal allies and no perpetual enemies.”
While a few loyal supporters, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Benjamin Gathiru Mwangi (Embakasi Central), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), and Gathoni Wamuchomba, have remained steadfast, the majority of his former allies have turned against him. This shift leaves Gachagua feeling like a lonely figure in a cutthroat political environment.
Gachagua has openly criticized his former ally, President William Ruto, whom he now sees as a political adversary. Upon his discharge from Karen Hospital, he expressed shock at Ruto’s perceived betrayal: “I didn’t know President Ruto could be that vicious. I am so shocked by how vicious a man I helped to be president… could be so vicious against me when I am literally fighting for my life in hospital.”
The fallout from Gachagua’s political struggles has culminated in his impeachment, with both the National Assembly and Senate voting to remove him from office. In the National Assembly, 40 MPs from Mt Kenya joined others from across the country in voting against him, while only 19 stood in his defense. The situation was even bleaker in the Senate, where only one senator from Mt Kenya, Karungo Thang’wa, voted to save him.
Political analyst Mark Bichachi highlights the brutal reality of Gachagua’s situation: “Politics is always about power, and whoever wields power will always have the most friends. In Gachagua’s case, he was the least powerful and with the least resources, competing against the most powerful person, President William Ruto, and the formidable coalition of UDA and ODM.”
The first signs of Gachagua’s abandonment emerged when National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa took the lead in opposing him, showcasing how quickly political loyalties can shift in the face of changing power dynamics. As Gachagua faces the judiciary to determine his political fate, he must confront the reality that his grip on the Mt Kenya region has weakened, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of political alliances.
The dramatic shift in the political fortunes of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is underscored by his previously strong alliance with Kimani Ichung’wa, the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly. Just as recently as February, Gachagua was vocally defending Ichung’wa amidst local political turmoil in Kiambu County, highlighting their close camaraderie.
During President Ruto’s visit to Gatundu South on February 16, Gachagua passionately supported Ichung’wa, who was facing backlash from a faction of MCAs in his home county over alleged political missteps.
Gachagua stated, “When the President assigns a position to Kiambu, we must protect it. The President, in his wisdom, appointed Kimani Ichung’wa as the Leader of Majority for the National Assembly.
I want to assure you that both the President and I have confidence in him. His star is bright. I urge Kiambu leaders not to be among those who pull others down.” This strong endorsement came during a significant tour of Mt. Kenya by President Ruto, where multiple development projects were launched.
Unbeknownst to Gachagua, the very person he was defending would later play a crucial role in his political downfall. The impeachment motion against Gachagua was spearheaded by the same coalition of Kikuyu MPs, including Ichung’wa, demonstrating the fickle nature of political alliances.
Ichung’wa had been targeted by Kiambu MCAs for what they perceived as an aggressive political stance against Governor Kimani Wamatangi, leading to Gachagua’s defense of him amidst rising tensions.
Adding to the betrayal, in Gachagua’s own constituency of Mathira, his political successor, Eric Wamumbi, voted in favor of the impeachment motion. Wamumbi, whom Gachagua had previously endorsed during the 2022 parliamentary race, even had Gachagua serve as his chief spokesperson during his dowry negotiations with Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina. Gachagua’s backing had been pivotal in Wamumbi’s nomination on the UDA ticket.
This evolving narrative of betrayal highlights the volatility of Kenyan politics, where alliances can quickly shift and former allies can become adversaries. Gachagua’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the transient nature of political loyalty, especially when power dynamics change and new ambitions emerge.
The very relationships that once seemed secure have now contributed to Gachagua’s isolation and impending political downfall, underscoring the unpredictable landscape of Kenyan political life.
“The DP never knew that he was breeding snakes that would eventually give him a fatal bite, and when rushed to hospital, the doctors, instead of helping him fight for his political survival, sent him to the dungeons, where rogue surgeons strangled him to death, says Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi.
Brinkmanship
Mwangangi says politics in Kenya has always been full of deceit, betrayal, bribery and brinkmanship. According to Mwangangi, the political class is engaged in an elaborate scheme to divert the attention of Kenyans from the issues affecting them.
Mwangangi says politicians and those in leadership are ignoring real issues such as corruption in government, delayed release of funds to county governments and scandals bedevilling the government.
The deputy governor says the ongoing standoff on the impeachment of Gachagua has been orchestrated to blindfold Kenyans from their problems.
“These impeachment of Gachagua is meant to divert the attention of Kenyans from the real issues….such as the crisis in health and education sectors, the entry of Adani group of companies, corruption in government, poor economy facing the country at the moment,’’ Mwangangi says.
Other Mt Kenya MPs said to have turned against the DP at the hour of need included John Waithaka Kawanjiku, whom Gachagua is said to have vigorously campaigned for in the Kiambaa by-election, his own Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Thika’s Alice Ng’ang’a who had previously been one of the DP’s diehard supporters, among others.
Nandi senator Samson Cherarkey, another staunch supporter of the DP, stuck out his neck for him during the senate debate, dismissing the grounds advanced for Gachagua’s removal from office.
Only for the vocal senator to vote “yes” when the division was called that fateful Thursday night, to the dismay of Gachagua and his few supporters.
