Waiguru Exposes Gachagua of Back-Channel Talks with President Ruto
In a bold political salvo that has reignited tensions within Kenya’s Mt Kenya region, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has publicly alleged that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is quietly seeking a political truce with President William Ruto.
Speaking during a recent engagement, Waiguru claimed that Gachagua has been dispatching intermediaries to State House for covert late-night negotiations, reportedly offering to dial down his sharp criticisms in exchange for some form of understanding. The governor framed these moves as part of a calculated strategy by the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) leader to first solidify control over the Mt Kenya voting bloc before leveraging it at the national bargaining table ahead of the 2027 elections.
Waiguru did not mince her words, urging Gachagua to abandon what she described as shadowy “agent diplomacy” and instead confront the president directly if genuine dialogue is his goal. “If he has issues with the president, he should come to the table openly and talk,” she insisted, warning that backdoor dealings would achieve little. She further accused the former deputy president of treating the entire Mt Kenya region as his personal political asset, consolidating its influence solely to use as a powerful chip in future power-sharing arrangements. This revelation comes amid growing speculation that Gachagua’s camp recognises the limitations of sustained opposition and is testing the waters for a possible “handshake” style reconciliation.
The accusations have thrust Mt Kenya’s fractured political landscape into the spotlight once again, highlighting deep divisions over loyalty, strategy, and the region’s kingmaker role in national politics. While Waiguru herself signalled openness to direct negotiations with President Ruto—positioning Kirinyaga for a potential deputy presidency slot—she stopped short of ruling out future alliances between Gachagua and the head of state, citing Kenya’s long tradition of bitter rivals eventually becoming partners. Analysts say the claims could either force Gachagua into a more transparent stance or deepen suspicions within the opposition ranks, setting the stage for a high-stakes realignment in the months ahead.
