The Plot in Kenyan Politics Continues to Thicken

 

The plot in Kenyan politics continues to thicken, with the sudden disappearance of the Deputy President sparking numerous rumors, but little clarity. While much remains unclear, history often repeats itself, and the current political landscape in Kenya is ripe for a situation reminiscent of 2018, when President Uhuru Kenyatta faced a rebellious Deputy President with limited constitutional options to handle the problem. Many are asking whether we're witnessing a repeat, only this time with Deputy President Gachagua in the hot seat. We will analyze this further shortly.

Before that, let’s turn to the controversial events in Mount Kenya. Last Friday, a violent incident occurred involving the Member of Parliament for Gatundu South, Gabriel Kagombe. He allegedly opened fire on a crowd, leading to at least one death, with some reports saying two. The incident took place with the presence of Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, and soon after, photos emerged showing Kagombe in the hospital, claiming to be a victim. Locals are demanding justice.

Many have speculated about the events, but let’s break it down clearly. This was a confrontation between UDA sympathizers and local forces over a new market project in Kiganjo. The UDA supporters, led by Ichung'wa, argued that the market was part of President Ruto's project, causing tensions. What this incident reveals is the growing frustration among the people, particularly in Mount Kenya, where support for UDA appears to be waning. This frustration led to the crowd charging at the MP, despite the presence of firearms. Such a dangerous situation shows just how desperate the people have become, and it’s a clear sign of the diminishing popularity of UDA in the region.

If I were in the government's shoes, I would handle this situation carefully. If no action is taken against the person who fired the weapon, the people may take matters into their own hands, and that would only escalate tensions. Accountability must be enforced, especially when such reckless behavior results in loss of life.

Turning to Deputy President Gachagua, his political trajectory reminds me of past deputy presidents who found themselves in powerful positions with little experience, like Dr. Josephat Karanga and Professor George Saitoti. Gachagua’s inexperience has been evident in his tenure, and now, with rumors of a fallout with President Ruto, the question arises: Has Gachagua truly gone rogue?

In recent weeks, Gachagua has undergone a noticeable transformation, changing his demeanor, speech, and allies. He’s even aligned himself with figures from the previous regime, like former President Uhuru Kenyatta's ally Pauline Njoroge. His image makeover suggests a shift in his political ambitions, and he’s been careful with his statements, particularly in support of the “one man, one vote, one shilling” campaign—a controversial initiative opposed by Ruto’s government.

What does this mean? Is Gachagua genuinely breaking away from Ruto, or is it all part of a political strategy? Given the current state of the government, any significant move by the Deputy President could have major consequences. If Gachagua is indeed turning against Ruto, this would be the worst news for the Kenya Kwanza government, already struggling with issues of legitimacy and corruption. A rogue Deputy President in such a volatile environment would only exacerbate the government's troubles.

To conclude, if this is a distraction tactic by the government, it could backfire badly, exposing their manipulation of the public. But if Gachagua is truly going rogue, we may be in for a turbulent period in Kenyan politics. As the political drama unfolds, it’s crucial to pay close attention to these developments, as they could reshape the future of Kenya’s leadership.