Businessman-cum-politician Jimi Wanjigi has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of weakening President William Ruto’s political standing in the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station, which aired on YouTube on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Wanjigi said Gachagua’s recent style of politics has been driven by personality clashes and grievance-driven messaging.

The Safina Party Leader argued that Gachagua’s political approach over the past year has significantly altered perceptions of the Kenya Kwanza administration in the region, which is widely considered a key political stronghold.

“Rigathi Gachagua, has in the past one year or so, done a lot damage to William Ruto’s name in the region he talks called mlima, and he has focused on the personality politics,” Wanjigi said.

He suggested that Gachagua’s political messaging may be influenced by his fallout with the government, although he stopped short of making direct conclusions on motive.

“Whether it is motivated by the way he was kicked out or not, he has done a lot of damage to William Ruto,” he added.

Legacy politics’ critique

Wanjigi further criticised what he described as a broader culture of personality-driven politics in Kenya, arguing that it undermines national development and accountability.

“My only problem with his kind of politics is that to me, that is legacy politics. The politics of tribute and all those things,” he said.

He called for a shift in political culture, urging Kenyans to move away from divisive historical narratives and what he termed externally influenced governance models.

“I think Kenyans should start showing a graduation from a template that was given to them by the mzungus, the divide and rule,” Wanjigi stated.

Growing political tensions ahead of 2027

Wanjigi’s remarks come amid rising political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with leaders increasingly positioning themselves within and outside the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Mt Kenya remains a critical voting bloc, and political rhetoric targeting influence in the region has intensified in recent months, particularly following leadership changes and shifting alliances.

Gachagua has, in his recent political engagements, vowed to ensure that President Ruto does not get support from the Mt Kenya region.