Gachagua Accused of Promoting Tribal Politics by Some Western Region MPs

 

By Ernest Bandi

A section of Members of Parliament from the Western region have accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of promoting tribal politics and undermining national unity. The legislators praised President William Ruto for what they termed as a consistent and inclusive development agenda, and vowed to rally behind his 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking during a women’s empowerment event held in Ikolomani constituency, the leaders, led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, criticized Gachagua for allegedly isolating communities outside of his Mt. Kenya political base and failing to reach out to other regions, especially Western Kenya.

“We have made up our minds, come what may, the President of the Republic of Kenya in 2027 will be William Samoei Ruto,” declared Aseka. “This region will not support any leader fanning tribal politics. We stand for unity, development, and inclusion.”

Gachagua’s Absence in Western Kenya

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali echoed the sentiments, questioning Gachagua’s commitment to national leadership and inclusivity.

“For two years, Gachagua has never set foot in Western Kenya. Meanwhile, President Ruto has visited us, walked with us, and supported our development,” said Shinali.

The leaders painted Gachagua as a divisive figure whose rhetoric and regional bias risk undoing the progress made by President Ruto in bringing together diverse communities across the country.

Firm Support for Ruto’s Leadership

The MPs reiterated their unwavering support for Ruto’s leadership, citing infrastructure, economic programs, and youth and women empowerment initiatives as key reasons for their continued loyalty.

“This government has walked the talk. We are witnessing change on the ground, and that is why we are staying the course,” said Teso South MP Mary Emase, noting that development has begun to reach previously marginalized areas.

Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya, and Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala were also present at the event and joined in denouncing tribalism and reaffirming their alliance with the Kenya Kwanza government.

“We are not ready to go back to the opposition,” they declared in a joint statement, emphasizing that their focus was on development and delivery, not political theatrics.

Broader Political Implications

The remarks come amid growing political realignments within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, with factions beginning to emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gachagua, who has recently faced criticism for pushing what some have termed as a “Mount Kenya-first” agenda, is increasingly being viewed as a polarizing figure even within the government side.

While Gachagua has defended his record and political strategy as being pro-devolution and community-based, the latest criticisms signal a possible rift between Kenya Kwanza leaders from different regions.

Political analysts say the Western region, which holds significant electoral weight, will be critical in determining the 2027 outcome—making early support declarations like those made in Ikolomani key indicators of future alliances.

June 15, 2025