Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, vowing that the Northern Kenya region will support President William Ruto’s re-election bid amid growing tensions between the President and his former deputy.

During an issuance of Identification Cards event by President William Ruto in Garissa on Thursday, February 6, 2025, Udgoon expressed her anger over Gachagua’s recent comments implying that Garissa voters lack electoral significance.

“We are furious with Gachagua, who goes around claiming Garissa people don’t have votes. Don’t we have enough numbers? Aren’t we capable of re-electing the president?” she questioned.

In a show of regional solidarity, Udgoon announced plans to translate the popular United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign song ‘Tukogira Tene’ into multiple local languages, including Somali and Borana.

The song, which gained prominence during Ruto’s 2022 campaign in the Mt. Kenya region, will be adapted to resonate with different communities across Kenya.

“Back then Mt. Kenya was singing ‘Tukogira Tene Tukathure Ruto.’ We will translate this song into Somali, Borana, and every language in Kenya, including Kalenjin. We will sing it together as Kenyans to re-elect the President,” Udgoon declared.

The Woman Representative emphasized the importance of pastoralist communities in Ruto’s presidency, referencing a past campaign promise.

“Wasn’t the agreement for ten years? Now it’s ten years for pastoralists – this decade is ours,” she said.

Mount Kenya political dynamics

Udgoon’s remarks come at a time of significant political realignment following Gachagua’s impeachment.

Last year several lawmakers from the Mount Kenya region, including some from Gachagua’s own Nyeri constituency, voted to remove him from office, sparking tension in the region.

Since his impeachment, Gachagua has been touring the Mount Kenya region, criticizing those he accuses of betraying the community.

His supporters have shown their displeasure by heckling and, in some instances, disrupting rallies held by pro-Ruto legislators.

At the burial of former Senator Lenny Kivuti’s son in Embu on January 3, 2025, Gachagua pledged to vet all candidates seeking electoral positions in the region come 2027, aiming to prevent what he termed as betrayal through monetary influence.

New regional alliances

As the Mount Kenya situation remains volatile, some UDA lawmakers are advocating for a shift in political focus.

Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, speaking in Bungoma on January 19, 2025, urged President Ruto to redirect his attention to Western Kenya.

“Kenya has more than forty-two tribes, and we won’t accept one tribe thinking they have a birthright to State House,” Wanyama said.

“When they’re in State House, we give them peace to complete their term, but when another tribe gets there, they create problems even when things are running smoothly. That mountain has become slippery and will remain so forever, but we have a stable mountain here,” he added.

The MP suggested that securing the Western Kenya voting bloc could compensate for any potential loss of support in the Mount Kenya region.