Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has caused a stir in Mt Kenya politics after making it clear that he is open to working together with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 general election.
The outspoken ex-legislator, who for years positioned himself as one of Gachagua’s strongest critics, now says that their disagreements were never personal but purely political.
Speaking in a video clip shared by K24, Wambugu explained that politics is never static and that circumstances often push leaders who were once rivals to find common ground.
He noted that the question of unity in Mt Kenya is becoming more urgent as the country heads toward the next electoral cycle, and therefore, partnering with Gachagua cannot be ruled out.
His remarks have sent ripples across Nyeri and beyond, sparking speculation about shifting loyalties and possible new alliances.
For much of his political career, Wambugu strongly opposed Gachagua’s rise to national leadership.
He regularly accused the former deputy president of promoting division within the Mt Kenya community and of pursuing personal political interests at the expense of collective progress. Yet his latest comments suggest a softening of stance and recognition that, in politics, yesterday’s adversaries can become tomorrow’s partners.
According to Wambugu, there is no lasting personal enmity between him and Gachagua. He emphasized that politicians often exchange harsh words in public but can later reconcile when the greater interests of their people demand it.
This acknowledgment, coming from a leader who once dismissed Gachagua’s brand of politics, has ignited debate within Nyeri town and across the wider Mt Kenya region.
Youth in particular are actively discussing whether Wambugu’s new tone is a signal of a broader political wave that may soon gather momentum around the former deputy president.
The development also places fresh pressure on other leaders from the region who were previously aligned against Gachagua. Many of them may now be compelled to reconsider their positions to avoid political isolation as the 2027 race gains shape.
The possibility of a “handshake” or cooperation between Gachagua and Wambugu could serve as a symbolic moment, paving the way for a new phase of political realignment in central Kenya.
These shifting dynamics come at a time when questions are increasingly being asked about President William Ruto’s grip on the Mt Kenya voting bloc. While Ruto enjoyed overwhelming support from the region during the 2022 elections, recent divisions and internal competition have created uncertainty about his dominance moving forward.
A potential reconciliation between Gachagua and some of his former critics could alter the balance of power, recalibrate alliances, and even unsettle the president’s own camp.
As things stand, Wambugu’s unexpected change of heart underscores the unpredictable nature of Kenyan politics. What once seemed like entrenched hostilities may dissolve in the face of shared interests, especially when communities push their leaders toward unity.
Whether this will blossom into a full political partnership remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mt Kenya’s political landscape is entering a season of realignments that will shape the run-up to 2027.
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