Karanja Kibicho makes public appearance with Gachagua, Kalonzo and Natembeya
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 30, 2025Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho made a public appearance in the company of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Kibicho, who has maintained a low profile since Azimio’s loss in 2022, was spotted sharing a light moment with top leaders of the United Opposition led by Gachagua, a person he was at loggerheads with in the run-up to the 2022 General Election.
At the time, the former Deputy President accused him of being behind the surge in drug abuse that had affected the Mount Kenya region, an issue Gachagua took as his first assignment upon assuming office, and using state machinery against those who were opposed to the Azimio coalition.
Kibicho’s meeting with Gachagua and other opposition figures has fuelled speculation that he may be considering political ambitions in Kirinyaga County. In 2021, after similar speculation about a gubernatorial bid, he dismissed the claims, saying he was a public servant and would not vie for any seat.
This development comes after his former boss in the Interior Ministry, Fred Matiang’i, was endorsed as the Jubilee Party’s flag bearer for 2027. As part of its renewed commitment to the United Opposition, the Jubilee Party has allowed Matiang’i to represent them in the coalition.
Kibicho now joins a growing list of influential politicians, including former Embu gubernatorial candidate Lenny Kivuti, who narrowly lost to Cecily Mbarire, and former Agriculture Minister and PNU leader Peter Munya, who have begun regrouping and aligning themselves with the United Opposition after losing in the 2022 General Election amid the UDA wave.
Meeting with Natembeya
It appears the former Deputy President has had an eventful day, as he also held talks with George Natembeya, marking the second time they have met publicly.
Despite Natembeya and Gachagua meeting publicly on only two occasions, Gachagua has consistently viewed Natembeya as a leader capable of uniting the Western region and delivering significant numbers to the United Opposition.