Gachagua-Nyoro Rivalry Steals the Show at Ruto’s Murang’a Tour

The political rivalry between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro played out publicly as they accompanied President William Ruto on his tour of Murang’a County on Friday, August 9.

President Ruto’s actions during the tour appeared to exacerbate the competition between Gachagua and Nyoro. In a departure from protocol, the President invited Nyoro to speak after Gachagua at one of the stops, a move interpreted by many as a tacit endorsement of the younger politician. This decision further intensified the already palpable rivalry between the two leaders. At Kambirwa market, where President Ruto launched an economic stimulus program, both Gachagua and Nyoro had the opportunity to address the crowd.

Gachagua used his speaking time to reiterate his controversial message of regional unity, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the Mt Kenya region. He also alluded to his recent media interview, where he had accused individuals close to the President of persecuting him, and hinted at political maneuvering already underway for future elections. Nyoro, in contrast, adopted a more subtle approach in his speech. He made veiled references to senior leaders who undermine others, while simultaneously portraying himself as a peaceful and forbearing individual. This strategy seemed designed to position himself as a mature, level-headed alternative to his rival.

“I have made a personal vow that even if he pokes my eye, I will remain peaceful and apologise for putting my eye his way. If he hits my face, I will remain cool and apologise for putting my face his way…but in all these, it should never be construed that I am a coward,” he said.

The competition between Gachagua and Nyoro has been building for some time, with both emerging as key power centres in the Mt Kenya region. Their supporters have been vocal in their backing, with some even calling for President Ruto to replace Gachagua with Nyoro in the 2027 re-election bid. The rivalry was on full display throughout the tour, with crowds attempting to outdo each other in supporting the two leaders. Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of excessive talk at the expense of his assigned duties. Mugo pointed out that Gachagua has yet to make significant progress in aiding coffee, tea, and dairy farmers, as well as combating alcoholism—tasks entrusted to him by the president.

The MP advised Gachagua to focus on these immediate responsibilities rather than speculating about future political scenarios in 2027 or 2032. Betty Maina, the county’s woman representative, appeared to exacerbate the rift between Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro by repeatedly lauding the president for appointing Nyoro and praising his efforts in fostering unity. She emphatically declared the unwavering support of Murang’a residents for the president, pledging their loyalty until 2032 without any hint of duplicity.
Gachagua further faced an unexpected setback when his close ally from Murang’a, Maragua MP Mary wa Maua, was granted the exclusive opportunity to address the gathering in Kiharu constituency.

Wa Maua took this chance to commend Nyoro’s performance as the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, highlighting his role in securing budget allocations for her constituents. Notably, she praised Nyoro as a focused leader, even mentioning his personal contributions to funding meals for secondary school students while conspicuously omitting any mention of Gachagua. The political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region are further complicated by the involvement of other influential figures such as former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, who has also been making claims to regional leadership.

As the 2027 elections approach, the rivalry between Gachagua and Nyoro is expected to intensify. Both leaders are positioning themselves as potential successors to President Ruto, and their actions during the recent tour indicate the high stakes involved.