Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua having a word with National Administration Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Interior & National Administration Kithure Kindiki during a multi-stakeholder forum in Nyeri town on strategies of ending illicit brew and substance abuse in Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties on April 14, 2023. The DP said the Kenya Kwanza Administration, led by President William Ruto is determined in ending the menace in the region and the country. Photo | DPCS
Political Plot Twist: Gachagua Defends Successor Kindiki After Junet’s 2027 Running Mate Remarks
In an unexpected turn of events that has left observers stunned, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly jumped to the defense of his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The fiery ex-second-in-command—who was unceremoniously impeached through a combined force of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmakers—broke ranks to call out Suna East MP Junet Mohammed over disrespect toward the office of the Deputy President.
The standard political playbook suggested endless hostility between Gachagua and Kindiki. However, tensions flared after Junet Mohammed openly suggested that Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya ought to serve as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
“It is completely disrespectful for Junet to dismiss a sitting Deputy President and publicly crown Oparanya as Ruto’s 2027 running mate while Kindiki is still in office.” — Rigathi Gachagua
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The 2027 Realignment Game
Political analysts view Gachagua’s surprise defense as a strategic maneuver to protect the political clout of the Mt. Kenya region, rather than a genuine truce with Kindiki.
By taking offense at Junet’s remarks, Gachagua seeks to signal that Mt. Kenya’s position at the top of national politics cannot be casually dismissed or traded away in early 2027 succession talks.
FigureKey PositionPolitical ContextRigathi GachaguaFormer Deputy PresidentDefending regional interests & DP office dignityProf. Kithure KindikiSitting Deputy PresidentSuccessor after Gachagua’s impeachmentJunet MohammedSuna East MP / ODM WhipSparked debate over 2027 running mate pairingsWycliffe OparanyaCS, Co-operatives.
Tipped by Junet as a potential 2027 deputy candidateWhether this defense signals a temporary truce or simply a firm line drawn against broad political encroachment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kenya’s political landscape toward 2027 is proving more unpredictable by the day.
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