DNK International By Felix Njenga,Kiambu.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is intensifying efforts to consolidate his political influence in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, marked by a key consultative meeting in Githunguri Constituency and a fresh show of unity with former critics.
Gachagua is set to lead a high-level consultative forum on Saturday in Githunguri, a move analysts interpret as part of a broader strategy to solidify regional backing amid shifting political alignments. The meeting will specifically target men as central figures within households, in what organisers describe as both a cultural and strategic approach to grassroots mobilisation.
Now at the helm of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua is expected to be joined by prominent opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former senator Cleophas Malala.
Several regional leaders, among them Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, are also expected to attend, underlining the growing political weight of the gathering.
The forum is being organised by Githunguri parliamentary hopeful Wakili Njenga Mabati, who said the focus on men aligns with traditional societal structures and offers a pathway to influencing entire households.
“Our traditions recognise the man as the head of the household. Reaching him first creates a foundation for engaging the entire family,” Mabati said.
He added that the meeting will provide a democratic platform for residents to air their concerns while gaining clarity on the opposition’s policy agenda.
Economic concerns are expected to dominate discussions, given Githunguri’s role as a key agricultural hub. The region hosts one of the country’s largest farmer-owned dairy processing plants and is heavily involved in coffee and tea production—sectors currently facing inconsistent returns.
“This region plays a crucial role in our national economy. It is important for alternative leadership to engage directly with farmers and outline practical solutions to sustain and improve agricultural productivity,” Mabati added.
The initiative has also drawn interest from young people, many of whom have traditionally felt excluded from such engagements. Some local youth expressed optimism that the forum would offer an opportunity for their voices to be heard.
“Young men are often left out of these conversations. We welcome this opportunity to engage directly and hope our views will be considered,” said one resident.
In a parallel political development, Gachagua appears to be mending ties with former critics as he seeks to broaden his political base. Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni—previously one of Gachagua’s sharpest critics—has now signalled a shift after holding a joint meeting with him.
The two leaders, accompanied by former Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, held a candid engagement where discussions focused on pressing national issues ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a joint statement, the trio agreed on the need to build “a united, inclusive, and pragmatic movement” aimed at addressing the country’s challenges and offering an alternative to the current regime.
Observers say the reconciliation between Gachagua and Kioni, alongside his alignment with seasoned opposition figures such as Musyoka and Wamalwa, points to the formation of a formidable political front.
Following the Githunguri meeting, the leaders are expected to hold a series of brief rallies across key towns in Kiambu County, including Ndumberi and Kiambu town, as they seek to expand their outreach.
With the race to 2027 gradually taking shape, competition for the Mt. Kenya vote is expected to intensify, with Gachagua positioning himself at the centre of emerging opposition alliances.
