Gachagua warns of Mt. Kenya rift, draws parallels to Moi-era tactics

This comes amid the endorsement of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the new liaison between the region and the presidency.

Speaking to vernacular radio stations from the Mt. Kenya East region on Sunday evening, Gachagua compared the situation to the divisive politics of the Moi era, where attempts were made to fracture the unity of Central Kenya’s voting bloc.

“This feels like the strategy Moi used to divide the mountain,” Gachagua told Muuga FM. “Back then, they started a campaign to divide Mt. Kenya, saying things like, ‘Kiambu has had the presidency twice, then Nyeri—now it's Murang’a’s turn,’ and so on.”

Gachagua recalled the 1992 elections when Central Kenya was split between supporting presidential candidates Kenneth Matiba and Mwai Kibaki, a division he said allowed Moi to retain power.

“I was there during Moi’s time, so I know this trap very well,” he added. “If we fall for it again, we will be watching the government from the sidelines.”

He noted that this division led to Moi's victory despite a large opposition vote.

 “Nyeri backed Kibaki, supported by Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, while Murang’a rallied behind Matiba, supported by Kiambu and Nairobi. Kibaki got 1.1 million votes, Matiba got 1.4 million, and Moi won with 1.9 million. We had the numbers to win but ended up in opposition.”

He further argued that Central Kenya’s unity had been the driving force behind its political dominance, securing four consecutive presidential terms under Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

His comments came after 69 legislators from Central Kenya endorsed CS Kindiki as their link to the presidency. 

The legislators expect this move to improve the coordination of national government functions and address the developmental needs of the Mt. Kenya region and its diaspora.

Looming Impeachment 

Gachagua also spoke about his looming impeachment, which is slated for debate on Tuesday. He urged the MPs pushing for his removal to allow him to complete his five-year term, rejecting accusations of tribalism as unfounded.

The Deputy President questioned why these accusations were not raised during his campaign for President William Ruto, when he often spoke in his native language.

“My removal is being driven by those who disagree with my stance on issues such as the controversial Tax Bill, demolitions, and my commitment to speaking the truth,” he said.

Reports indicate that the impeachment motion is gaining traction, with nearly 300 signatures collected by Friday evening. The motion, which requires the support of at least 117 MPs to be introduced in the National Assembly, will need 233 votes to pass and proceed to the Senate.

House leaders have confirmed that the signature drive is well underway. “As of Thursday evening, we had collected 260 signatures, and the number is approaching 300,” National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya told Citizen TV.

Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro added, “There’s a rush among members to sign the motion.”

Key leaders supporting the motion include National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.