Former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has triggered fresh political speculation after sharing photographs of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, detained Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Kuria shared the three images on Friday, August 21, accompanying them with only three words: “Loading shortly.”
The cryptic post immediately raised questions about what the former Cabinet Secretary could be planning to announce, particularly because of the political circumstances surrounding the three figures.
Kuria did not explain the connection between Gachagua, Besigye and Lissu or indicate whether the photographs were linked to an upcoming political announcement, meeting or broader regional development.
Gachagua's growing political profile
Gachagua, who served as Kenya's Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment and removal from office in October 2024, is now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The former Deputy President has increasingly positioned himself as a major opposition figure ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly as political alignments continue to shift across the country.
His DCP has been expanding its political presence, especially in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been seeking to consolidate support. Recent political activity has also seen Kuria make several remarks about Gachagua's strategy and the possibility of further political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls.
Kuria's decision to place Gachagua's photograph alongside those of two prominent East African opposition leaders has therefore attracted particular attention.
Besigye's treason case
In Uganda, Dr Kizza Besigye remains at the centre of a high-profile treason case.
The veteran opposition politician and four-time presidential candidate is facing treason charges alongside his co-accused, including Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola. Uganda's High Court cleared the way for the trial to proceed after rejecting an application by Besigye and Lutale seeking to terminate the proceedings.
The case has continued to draw regional attention, particularly after Besigye collapsed during a court session in Kampala on July 29 while facing the charges. He was subsequently taken to hospital, with his wife, Winnie Byanyima, reporting that he was unconscious and in intensive care.
Besigye and his supporters have denied the allegations against him and have maintained that the prosecution is politically motivated.
Lissu's ongoing case in Tanzania
Across the border in Tanzania, CHADEMA chairman Tundu Lissu is also facing a treason case.
Lissu has been charged with one count of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania's Penal Code over statements prosecutors allege were intended to encourage the public to prevent the 2025 General Election from taking place. Lissu has disputed the allegations.
His trial resumed in August after a lengthy interruption, following a Court of Appeal decision that dismissed a prosecution attempt to introduce additional evidence. The proceedings have since continued at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, with Lissu personally cross-examining prosecution witnesses.
The cases involving Besigye and Lissu have consequently placed the treatment of opposition leaders and the use of treason laws in East African politics under renewed scrutiny.
What is Kuria planning?
Against that backdrop, Kuria's decision to post the three photographs together has created considerable intrigue.
The former MP did not say that Gachagua was facing any criminal proceedings, nor did he directly compare the Kenyan politician with Besigye or Lissu. Any suggestion of such a connection would therefore be speculative at this stage.
Instead, the message “Loading shortly” appears to signal that Kuria intends to make a further announcement.
Screenshot of Moses Kuria's Post
The timing is also significant as Kenya's political parties and influential figures continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Whether Kuria's post points to a new political alliance, a regional political initiative, a meeting or simply an upcoming statement remains unclear.
For now, the former Gatundu South MP has offered no further explanation, leaving Kenyans to await the development he appears to have hinted is “loading.”