Former Deputy President and Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has defended the Mt. Kenya region’s voting record, saying the community’s support for President William Ruto in 2022 was based on patriotism rather than ethnic considerations.
Gachagua, who spoke in Rongai Town after attending a church service and the ordination of Reverend Joseph Mburu at PCEA Ongata Rongai Church in Kajiado North, said the region should not be portrayed as tribal for voting as a bloc. He noted that Mt. Kenya overwhelmingly backed President Ruto despite him not being from their community, adding that their support was instrumental in securing his victory.
The former Deputy President also appeared to fault Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who recently stated that no single community should feel superior or entitled to the presidency. Gachagua argued that some regions had not delivered significant support to the president in the last election and therefore should not criticize Mt. Kenya.
Duale’s comments have attracted mixed reactions, with allies cautioning against what they view as blanket condemnation of entire communities. The debate highlights underlying tensions within President Ruto’s political coalition as discussions about national unity and ethnic mobilization continue to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
