In the ever-shifting sands of Kenyan politics, where alliances are as fragile as they are opportunistic, political analyst Herman Manyora has once again stirred the pot with his sharp insights.
In a recent YouTube discussion titled "Betrayal in the City," Manyora delved into the intricate web of betrayals plaguing President William Ruto's administration and the opposition landscape.
But his most explosive claim? That former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now a key figure in the united opposition, is engaging in a calculated game of betrayal that could see him realign with Ruto just months before the 2027 General Elections.
Manyora, known for his no-holds-barred commentary on Kenyan power dynamics, painted a picture of Gachagua as a shrewd tactician using his current opposition perch to consolidate power in Mount Kenya, only to potentially flip sides when it suits him.
"Gachagua's ousting was a masterclass in political miscalculation by Ruto," Manyora argued in the video, referring to Gachagua's impeachment in late 2024, which left the former DP humiliated but politically resurrected as a martyr in his home turf.
"But now, in the opposition, he's building a fortress of votes and seats. Don't be surprised if he uses that leverage to negotiate a handshake with Ruto – it's classic Kenyan politics."
The Backstory: From Allies to Adversaries
To understand Manyora's allegations, we must rewind to the dramatic fallout between Ruto and Gachagua.
Once inseparable during the 2022 campaigns, where Gachagua positioned himself as the guardian of Mount Kenya interests against perceived "dynasties," their partnership soured amid accusations of corruption, ethnic favoritism, and policy clashes.
Gachagua's impeachment, sanctioned by Ruto's allies in Parliament, was described by Manyora as "the grandest betrayal of all," echoing sentiments from Mount Kenya leaders who felt abandoned by the president they helped elect.
Post-impeachment, Gachagua wasted no time pivoting to the opposition. He aligned with figures like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and even garnered indirect support from Azimio la Umoja's Raila Odinga, forming what many call the "united opposition" – a loose coalition aiming to challenge Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in 2027.
Gachagua launched his Democratic Congress Party (DCP), rallying disgruntled Mount Kenya voters around themes of economic hardship, rising abductions, and a sense of betrayal by the Kenya Kwanza government.
Social media buzzed with hashtags like #Wantam (a jab at Ruto's perceived disdain for the region), and Gachagua's rallies drew massive crowds, positioning him as a potential kingmaker.