This was the undertone surrounding the much-talked-about closed-door meeting between East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a reunion that has reignited political debate across the country.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, Kanini Kega described the engagement as a “private and cordial interaction between old friends,” emphasising that their relationship predates current political realignments.
He noted that the meeting was not convened to announce any formal political alliance, but rather to exchange views on national issues and the evolving political landscape.
The encounter comes at a time when Gachagua, following his dramatic fallout with the ruling establishment, has been repositioning himself as a key political actor in opposition circles.
Kanini Kega, on the other hand, has maintained a relatively low profile since his move to the EALA, but remains an influential figure within Mount Kenya politics.
According to Kega, discussions focused on governance, the state of the economy, and the future of regional politics.
He acknowledged that the country is undergoing a period of political transition, with shifting alliances and growing public dissatisfaction over economic pressures. In this context, he argued, dialogue among leaders is not only inevitable but necessary.
“The meeting should not be over-politicised. Leaders must talk, even when they do not belong to the same political camps,” Kega said, adding that personal relationships should not be sacrificed at the altar of partisan politics.
Political analysts, however, interpret the meeting differently. Some view it as a strategic signal of possible realignments ahead of future elections, especially within the Mount Kenya bloc, which remains a critical voting region.
The fact that the meeting was held behind closed doors has only intensified speculation about its broader implications.
Gachagua’s allies have hinted that the former DP is actively engaging leaders across the political divide as he seeks to consolidate support and redefine his political path.
While neither side confirmed any formal agreements, the optics of the meeting alone have sent a strong message to both supporters and rivals.