The political landscape in Mt. Kenya is shifting rapidly, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua isn't staying quiet.
Speaking during a dowry ceremony in Kiganjo, Gatundu South, Gachagua took a definitive stand, naming Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi as the latest leader he is committed to protecting from what he describes as state-sponsored harassment.
The friction between the former allies has reached a boiling point. The catalyst? The demolition of Governor Wamatangi’s business property along Douglas Wakiihuri Road.
Gachagua directly accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating the destruction.
He suggested that the move wasn't merely about urban planning or legalities, but rather a calculated political hit.
According to Gachagua, the pressure on Wamatangi is multifaceted. Beyond the physical demolition of property, the Governor is facing intense financial scrutiny.
Reports indicate that bank accounts belonging to Wamatangi and his immediate family have been frozen as part of an ongoing corruption investigation.
While the government maintains these are standard legal procedures, Gachagua claims there is a more cynical motive at play.
He alleged that a group of Kiambu legislators actually petitioned the President, threatening to withdraw their support for the ruling coalition unless the Governor’s business interests were dismantled.
This public defense marks a strategic pivot for Gachagua. By positioning himself as a shield for embattled regional leaders, he is attempting to consolidate his influence in the Mt. Kenya region outside the official government structures.
"We cannot sit back while our leaders are being systematically targeted for standing their ground," Gachagua remarked, signaling that the mountain is far from united behind the current Executive.
The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: the rift between the Presidency and the former Deputy has moved beyond rhetoric into a high-stakes battle over property, power, and political survival in Central Kenya.