President William Ruto’s latest political strategy has ushered in a tough moment for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as he seeks to consolidate support in Mount Kenya, a region that has recently shown signs of discontent with his administration.
Ruto triggered a political storm in Mount Kenya after allowing a by-election in Mbeere North constituency, a move analysts say was meant to test the influence of his allies and reassert his control in the region.
The by-election follows the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service in April.
Analysts argue that the contest offers Ruto an opportunity to gauge the strength of his inner circle, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Ruku himself, all of whom backed the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to political analyst Prof. Peter Kagwanja, Ruto knew the risk of such a move, especially after Gachagua’s ouster sparked public anger and open defiance in Embu.
Residents booed the president twice following Gachagua’s removal on October 18, 2025, signaling discontent in a region that overwhelmingly supported him in 2022.
Embu-based analyst Malila Munywoki noted that the by-election represents a bold gamble by Ruto, who appears determined to reorganize Mount Kenya politics and build a new power base in Eastern counties Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi.
Gachagua, however, has painted the move as a plot to sideline senior leaders and replace them with “puppets.”
His Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) shocked supporters by refusing to field a candidate, instead backing Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party.
With tempers rising, the Mbeere North by-election is shaping up as a litmus test of loyalty, strategy, and influence in Mount Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
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