A group of lawmakers from the United Democratic Alliance Party is making efforts to reconcile Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The talks are being led by Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina and come after President William Ruto went against Gachagua’s hard stance on possible dialogue with opposition chief Raila Odinga.
Wainaina and three other MPs first met with Gachagua in December 2021 at his Harambee House Annex office, but the deputy president dismissed the idea of reconciliation. Undeterred, Wainaina has renewed his efforts after President Kenyatta indicated his willingness to engage in talks with Odinga.
According to Wainaina, Gachagua stands to benefit from having Kenyatta on his side, as Raila Odinga could potentially bring the former president to Ruto’s fold, thereby eclipsing Gachagua politically. Another MP involved in the reconciliation efforts said that Gachagua dismissed the push for talks between Ruto and Odinga, believing that their unity with Kenyatta was too strong to be threatened.
Wainaina is seeking to involve the Kiama Kia Ma, Kikuyu Council of Elders, and a section of church leaders to broker a truce between Kenyatta and Gachagua. Kikuyu Council of Elders chairperson Wachira Kiago welcomed efforts to reconcile the two leaders and suggested that successful reconciliation efforts could usher in a new chapter of transition, as Kenyatta still possesses the Agikuyu tools of power.
Political strategist Prof Peter Kagwanja believes that Gachagua’s political future depends on his ability to unite the region, gain political friends from outside of Mt Kenya region, and bring Kenyatta on board, which could give the deputy president a major political breakthrough.
Overall, the reconciliation efforts between Gachagua and Kenyatta could have significant implications for the political landscape of Kenya, particularly in the upcoming 2027 elections. The United Democratic Alliance Party lawmakers are seeking to secure the support of Kenyatta’s base in the Mt Kenya region, which could be crucial for their success.
