Kang'ata's sudden link-up with Raila rattles political scene amid DP rumors

Kang'ata, who rarely dabbles in national politics and is almost always seen immersed in the affairs of his county, on Wednesday, October 16, met up with the former ODM Chairman at an undisclosed location, revealing that the meeting was to take stock on the success of devolution in the country.

Taking to his X account, Kang'ata shared a photo of himself beaming next to Raila Odinga in a symbolic handshake, writing, "The Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga invited me this morning for consultations.We had a good discussion on national cohesion and the progress we have made as a country under devolution."

While his messaging was vague and calculatedly structured to blot out any hints, Kenyans still smelt a political alliance in the making, with many outrightly narrowing it down to the possibilities of Kang'ata accepting the Deputy President's role.

Some of the Kenyans who interacted with his tweet were quick to warn him of accepting the DP's role, noting that the ground was still hostile and that he was dancing around his political deathbed.

"I hope you did not accept the offer to occupy Gachagua's seat. You are playing with fire. These people will chew you and spit you out. Rudi tu Murang'a boss," someone opined.

Someone else said, "Kindly do not drink the poisoned chalice. No one who goes for that seat finds peace. Baba Fua will make you his next political victim!"

On her part, Damaris Njeri said, "Mount Kenya is still very hot. Ground ni moto. Stop butchering yourself Ngabana. Murang'a needs you more than ever. Coka mucíí."

Kang'ata's surprise link-up with Raila Odinga comes just a day after he joined over 40 legislators, led by Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, who met at a city hotel to discuss the possibilities of his ascension to the Deputy President's office.

At the meeting, Kang'ata was praised for his transformative work in Murang'a County and his quick ascension through the ladders of leadership—from councillor to member of Parliament, to senator, and now governor.

Leaders from the larger Mt. Kenya region are scrambling to ensure the seat remains in the region, fuelling tension and divisions among them.

Other names who have been fronted as possible Gachagua successors include Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru and Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.