Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has once again defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political influence in the Mt Kenya region, insisting the former second-in-command remains firmly backed by a united bloc of loyalists.

Speaking during a media interview on Monday, April 28, 2025, Gakuya highlighted the growing backing for Gachagua in the eastern parts of the region, underscoring the strength of the political unity in Mt Kenya.

“It is very important to say the mountain is very united. You have seen Meru, you have seen Linturi and his team. Gachagua has very serious foot soldiers there and in Embu,” Gakuya stated.

The lawmaker dismissed any concerns about Gachagua’s political prospects, asserting that Mt Kenya’s loyalty to the former Deputy President remains steadfast, even in the wake of his ousting from government.

“I would like to state very clearly that nothing will stop Gachagua and his team because Gachagua is not alone,” Gakuya declared.

National coalition

Gakuya further explained that Gachagua’s influence extends beyond the Mt Kenya region, as he is working to forge a formidable coalition that includes major national leaders.

These include Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.

“Gachagua’s team is a coalition with Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiangi, Eugene Wamalwa and also Martha Karua and the likes, even the governor of Trans Nzoia being part of it,” he stated.

Gakuya emphasised that Gachagua’s movement is not aimed at forming a regional outfit, but rather a national party that would reflect the diversity of Kenya.

“This is a national party, not a village party. The outlook of that party will be the face of Kenya,” he said.

Control of Mt Kenya

Gakuya’s defence of Gachagua’s political strength follows his earlier remarks on March 18, 2025, where he asserted that Gachagua still commands significant influence in the Mt Kenya region.

“As we stand today, I can tell you for sure that Gachagua commands 80% of ‘Murima’ (Mt. Kenya). The President was fully aware that the one thing Mt. Kenya people cannot tolerate is political betrayal,” he stated.

Gakuya also spoke about the lasting impact of Gachagua’s impeachment, arguing that his sidelining by Ruto had caused significant discontent in the region.

“The truth is, the real issue causing President Ruto sleepless nights is the negative mood in Mt Kenya. The people feel betrayed by his government, and this frustration is translating into political resentment,” Gakuya stated.

He criticised Ruto for allowing such a purge to take place.

“The arrangement, right from the second most senior person, was purged. That purge is a big pain back there. Even for me, it became difficult to continue supporting William Ruto with that kind of purge,” he said.

The MP expressed his belief that any issues concerning Gachagua’s leadership could have been addressed within the party, rather than resulting in his political isolation.

“I believe that these small teething issues could have been dealt with within the party, and anything that could have gone wrong could have been sorted. But because somebody deliberately wanted to finish Gachagua politically, that decision was made. And that pain is still in the minds of ‘Murima’ voters,” he stated.