Mt Kenya Belongs to No Single Politician, Karua Fires Back at Gachagua
People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has rejected claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the sole political leader of the Mt Kenya region, as he continues efforts to strengthen his influence through changes within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Speaking during a recent media interview, Karua said Gachagua's public profile should not be mistaken for a democratic mandate. She argued that no election or formal process has given any individual exclusive authority to speak on behalf of the politically significant Mt Kenya region.
Karua also criticised the practice of treating individual politicians as regional political patrons. She said neither Gachagua nor former President Uhuru Kenyatta could claim ownership of the region's political direction.
While recognising their influence, she maintained that Mt Kenya is represented by several leaders rather than one dominant figure. Karua also stressed that she operates independently and is not politically aligned under either Gachagua or Kenyatta.
Although opposition leaders remain united in their criticism of President William Ruto's administration, questions about authority, strategy and regional representation continue to emerge. Karua further argued that Gachagua's rise within the opposition was influenced by broader political developments rather than solely by personal support.
She said dissatisfaction with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had already become widespread across much of Mt Kenya before Gachagua emerged as a prominent opposition figure. According to Karua, his growing influence reflects changing political conditions as well as his own political standing.
The comments are the second time in recent months that Karua has publicly questioned Gachagua's position within the region. They also come after Jubilee Party officials raised concerns about divisions and uncertainty within the opposition alliance.
While there are no signs of an immediate split, the disagreement underlines the challenge of maintaining unity among leaders with different ambitions and support bases. At the same time, Gachagua is focusing on strengthening his political organisation in the region.
Sources within DCP say he is preparing an extended political engagement in Nyeri County to address internal disputes, strengthen grassroots structures and manage growing competition among aspiring candidates. The initiative is part of a wider effort to convert anti-government sentiment into a lasting political organisation.
Party officials indicate that planned reforms will affect county leadership structures as well as youth and women's leagues. Changes have already begun at the national level. Earlier this week, Nyandarua Senator John Methu was appointed secretary general-designate, replacing founding official Hezron Obaga.
Gachagua said Methu would serve as the party's acting spokesperson and administrative head while awaiting approval from the Registrar of Political Parties. The appointment was widely viewed as an effort to strengthen his inner leadership team as DCP prepares for increased political competition.
Attention has now shifted to Nyeri, where reports of further organisational changes have prompted discussion among local political leaders. Speculation about possible adjustments to county leadership structures has raised questions about loyalty, influence and succession within a party that has expanded rapidly in recent months.
Nyeri is expected to be a key political battleground because Governor Mutahi Kahiga is serving his final term in office. Several prominent figures have already expressed interest in succeeding him, setting the stage for a competitive contest within DCP and other political parties.
Gachagua has indicated that he intends to play a direct role in shaping the county's future leadership. He has argued that Nyeri needs leaders capable of delivering development projects and improving public services. He has also intensified criticism of politicians linked to the current administration as part of efforts to reduce their influence in the region.
Political analysts say such developments are common within fast-growing political movements centred on influential individuals. As support increases, competition for nominations, resources and access to leadership positions often becomes more intense. Managing those internal rivalries may prove as important as challenging political opponents.
DCP is also facing growing discussion about youth representation within the party. Debates over youth leadership positions and demands for more competitive internal elections reflect wider calls from younger Kenyans for greater involvement in political decision-making.