Activist Warns Gachagua Against Using Mt Kenya to Intimidate the Country Ahead of 2027 Polls

 Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning him against what he describes as ethnic mobilisation, intimidation of elected leaders and attempts to use the numerical strength of the Mt Kenya region to influence the country's political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, has urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to carefully assess Gachagua's political messaging and avoid being drawn into what he characterises as a divisive political strategy driven by personal interests, revenge and ethnic calculations.

The activist argued that Kenya's democracy should not be reduced to a contest in which one ethnic community claims exclusive authority to determine who becomes President, warning that such rhetoric risks undermining national unity and creating unnecessary suspicion among communities.

He accused Gachagua of promoting a style of politics that places ethnic identity at the centre of national leadership, saying the country should be moving towards issue-based politics, inclusivity and a shared national identity rather than returning to what he termed primitive political practices.

"It is unacceptable in a democratic society to see a leader moving around on a platform of ethnic mobilisation driven by hate and revenge, intimidating and harassing elected leaders for his personal political survival games," Ngetich said.

He described the alleged use of ethnic numbers to exert political pressure as outdated, arguing that Kenya's political future should be shaped by the collective will of voters from all regions rather than the perceived numerical dominance of a particular community.

According to Ngetich, the 2027 presidential contest should be about leadership, development, economic opportunities, accountability and the ability of candidates to unite the country, not about which ethnic group can mobilise the largest voting bloc or threaten to withdraw political support from other communities.

### Activist challenges Mt Kenya political dominance narrative

Ngetich took issue with what he described as attempts to portray the Mt Kenya region as the sole determinant of who becomes Kenya's next president, warning that such declarations could alienate the community from other parts of the country.

He maintained that no single tribe should claim the right to dictate the country's political leadership, insisting that every Kenyan has an equal constitutional right to participate in the electoral process and influence the outcome through their vote.

The activist argued that presidential elections are determined by the broader national electoral process, in which candidates must seek support beyond their traditional political strongholds to secure victory.

He cited the political history of former President Mwai Kibaki to challenge the assumption that the numerical strength of the Kikuyu community alone determines presidential outcomes.

Ngetich questioned why Kenya should continue to approach elections through ethnic arithmetic when the country's political history demonstrates the importance of alliances, voter preferences and support from different parts of the country.

He said the country had made significant democratic progress since the introduction of multiparty politics and should not allow political competition to reverse the gains made in national integration.

The activist further argued that the younger generation increasingly identifies with a broader Kenyan identity, with Kiswahili serving as a common language that enables citizens from different ethnic backgrounds to communicate and interact.

He said the country's evolving social and economic realities should encourage leaders to abandon politics that rely on ethnic divisions and instead build a national agenda that responds to the needs of ordinary citizens.

### Warns against isolation of Mt Kenya community

Ngetich cautioned that the political strategy he attributes to Gachagua could have unintended consequences for the very community the former Deputy President claims to represent.

He argued that presenting the Mt Kenya region as the exclusive kingmaker in national politics could create resentment and mistrust among other Kenyan communities, potentially weakening relationships that have supported political cooperation, trade and investment over the years.

According to the activist, the region's long-term interests would be better served by maintaining constructive relationships with communities across the country rather than embracing political narratives that suggest national power belongs to a particular ethnic bloc.

"The Mt Kenya community must be informed that Gachagua's style of politics is accelerating mistrust and suspicion against the mountain by the rest of Kenyans," Ngetich said.

He urged residents of the region to distinguish between political rhetoric intended to mobilise support and policies that can deliver tangible benefits to households, businesses and young people.

Ngetich argued that communities should not be persuaded to view other Kenyans as political enemies simply because they support different leaders or belong to different ethnic groups.

He warned that the consequences of ethnic polarisation could extend beyond elections, affecting relationships between citizens, cooperation among political leaders and the country's broader social and economic stability.

The activist maintained that political leaders have a responsibility to protect the interests of their constituents without creating the impression that those interests can only be secured by excluding or intimidating other communities.

### Raises concerns over revenge politics

The human rights activist also questioned what he characterised as a political agenda centred on personal revenge, arguing that elections should not be treated as opportunities to settle scores against political opponents.

Ngetich said the conduct and public messaging of national leaders should demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles, respect for institutions and the peaceful coexistence of citizens.

He warned that rhetoric suggesting political power would be used to punish opponents could heighten anxiety among Kenyans and undermine confidence in the country's democratic institutions.

According to Ngetich, leaders seeking elective office should explain how they intend to address unemployment, the cost of living, access to healthcare, education, infrastructure development and other pressing national challenges.

He argued that personal political disputes should not take precedence over the needs of citizens who expect leaders to provide solutions to their everyday problems.

The activist further maintained that democratic competition allows leaders to criticise one another and mobilise supporters, but such activities should not cross the line into ethnic hostility, threats or intimidation.

He called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements and ensure that their campaigns promote peaceful participation rather than fear and division.

### Questions claims of national unity under threat

Ngetich contrasted the ethnic mobilisation he attributes to Gachagua with what he described as President William Ruto's efforts to build political support across different communities.

He argued that Kenya's political landscape is too diverse for any presidential candidate to rely exclusively on one region or ethnic group and expect to secure national leadership.

The activist maintained that alliances involving communities from different parts of the country would remain important as politicians position themselves for the 2027 General Election.

He said the country's political future should be determined by voters evaluating competing leaders, their records, policy proposals and capacity to address national challenges.

Ngetich also cautioned against the assumption that ethnic voting patterns are fixed, arguing that Kenyans should be allowed to make political choices based on their interests and convictions rather than pressure from community leaders.

He urged political actors to recognise that Kenya's strength lies in its diversity and that no community should be treated as more entitled to national leadership than another.

The activist said inclusive politics would provide a stronger foundation for democratic stability than strategies that seek to consolidate power by portraying elections as a contest between ethnic communities.

### Business community and economic stability concerns

Ngetich further raised concerns about what he described as possible threats to businesses owned by Kenyans from communities outside Mt Kenya should Gachagua or his political allies form the next government.

He warned that political rhetoric perceived as hostile towards particular communities could create uncertainty among business owners, traders and investors who depend on a peaceful environment to operate.

The activist argued that businesses should not become casualties of political disagreements or ethnic competition, insisting that every Kenyan should be free to establish and operate a business anywhere in the country without fear of discrimination.

He said Kenya's economy depends on cooperation among people from different communities, with traders, manufacturers, transport operators and other entrepreneurs relying on national markets to sustain their livelihoods.

Ngetich cautioned that language that encourages ethnic suspicion could undermine confidence and damage relationships that support commerce and investment.

However, his concerns about possible action against businesses were presented as a warning by the activist and were not accompanied by specific evidence of a plan to target enterprises owned by particular communities.

He urged political leaders to reassure Kenyans that a change of government would not be used to punish people because of their ethnicity, political affiliations or regional background.

According to Ngetich, the protection of property, equal treatment and freedom to conduct lawful business should remain national priorities regardless of which political coalition wins the next election.

### Rejects politics of divide and rule

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy representative also warned against what he described as a return to divisive tactics associated with the colonial-era policy of divide and rule.

He argued that Kenya should not allow political competition to weaken the bonds that unite citizens or encourage communities to see one another as rivals in a struggle for national resources and leadership.

Ngetich said the country's democratic journey should be guided by respect for human rights, equality, tolerance and the recognition that all citizens belong to one nation.

He maintained that modern leadership requires politicians to build bridges across ethnic, regional and political differences rather than exploit those differences for electoral advantage.

The activist further argued that Kenya's progress depends on leaders recognising that national challenges such as unemployment, poverty, insecurity and the cost of living affect citizens across ethnic boundaries.

He called on politicians to direct their energy towards developing practical solutions to these problems rather than concentrating on the numerical strength of their respective communities.

Ngetich said political mobilisation should be based on a common vision for the country, adding that ethnic identity should never be used as a tool to intimidate citizens or undermine the legitimacy of elected leaders.

### Appeals to Mt Kenya residents ahead of 2027

Ngetich appealed directly to the Mt Kenya community to avoid what he described as a political trap that could leave the region isolated from the rest of Kenya.

He urged residents to make independent political decisions and reject messaging that portrays their community as being in a permanent contest against other Kenyans.

The activist said the region's political interests should be advanced through dialogue, cooperation and alliances that recognise the legitimate aspirations of all communities.

He maintained that the Mt Kenya region has an important role to play in national politics but argued that such influence should be exercised through democratic engagement rather than claims of exclusive ownership of the presidency.

Ngetich also called on other Kenyan communities to resist retaliatory ethnic politics, warning that divisive rhetoric from any political camp could damage the country's social fabric.

He said the responsibility for protecting national unity should not be placed on one region alone, insisting that political leaders from across the country must demonstrate a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The activist warned that Kenyans were closely monitoring declarations about which community would determine the next president and urged political actors to consider the wider implications of their statements.

He described claims that only the Mt Kenya region could determine the 2027 presidential winner as dangerous to national cohesion, arguing that the outcome of an election must remain in the hands of all eligible voters.

 Calls for issue-based politics

As the country prepares for the next General Election, Ngetich called for a shift towards issue-based campaigns that address the concerns of ordinary Kenyans.

He urged presidential hopefuls and their supporters to explain their positions on economic growth, job creation, healthcare, education, public accountability and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights.

The activist argued that political leaders should be judged by their policies and ability to deliver rather than their capacity to mobilise supporters along ethnic lines.

He said the country cannot afford to allow personal disagreements among politicians to become a source of tension between communities that have lived and worked together for generations.

Ngetich further called on Kenyans to remain vigilant against rhetoric that could encourage hostility, discrimination or threats against people because of their political or ethnic identity.

He maintained that peaceful political competition is essential to democracy and that every community must be allowed to participate freely in choosing the country's leadership.

The activist's remarks add to the growing political debate over ethnic alliances, regional voting blocs and the role of Mt Kenya in shaping the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.

While political mobilisation and the pursuit of regional interests are part of democratic competition, Ngetich insisted that they should not be used to intimidate other communities or create the impression that any single ethnic group has exclusive authority over Kenya's political future.

He called on Gachagua and other national leaders to embrace inclusive politics, warning that the country must protect its democratic gains and avoid a return to ethnic divisions that could threaten national stability.

Ngetich's central message was that no single community owns Kenya's presidency and that the country's future must be determined through a democratic process that respects the rights, choices and dignity of all Kenyans.