Rigathi Gachagua
A fresh political argument has emerged over the likely voting pattern in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, after city lawyer Wahome Thuku claimed the bloc could rally behind opposition figures without the involvement of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In remarks that have stirred debate online, Thuku said the region’s estimated seven million Kikuyu votes would most likely be directed towards one of three opposition leaders—Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, or Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“The 7 million Kikuyu votes will either go to Matiangi or Kalonzo or Sifuna...period. Any of them will carry the votes,” Thuku said.
He dismissed claims that the opposition needs Gachagua to make inroads in the vote-rich region, insisting that political decisions in Mt Kenya often follow a unified direction once a preferred candidate is identified.
“The opposition can't do without Gachagua?? Uliskia wapi?” he posed, adding that opposition leaders could strike a deal without the Deputy President’s input.
“Kalonzo, Matiangi and Sifuna can meet without Gachagua and you will do nothing, except to wake up at 4am to vote any of them,” Thuku stated.
His comments come at a time when political alignments are beginning to take shape, with both government and opposition camps positioning themselves for the next election cycle.
Mt Kenya remains a key battleground that could determine the outcome of the presidential race.
Thuku further argued that voters in the region may have limited influence over the final choice, suggesting that elite consensus could play a decisive role in determining who carries the bloc.
“True, the voters will be guided like sheep on who to mark and where to drop their ballots, but it will have to be one of the three with no other options,” he said.
He also claimed that the region could end up backing a presidential candidate without negotiating for a running mate position, raising questions about its bargaining power in future political arrangements.
“So yes, we Kikuyus have no choice but to vote for Matiangi or Kalonzo or Sifuna tulende tusipende. And worse of it, we won't even have a running mate,” Thuku added.