Kajiado County is quickly becoming a battleground for control of political power, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua making a bold push to secure the region’s vote ahead of the 2027 elections.
This move has caused ripples within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, as several prominent local leaders begin to rally behind Gachagua, potentially shaking the party’s unity.
In a strategic move last Monday, Gachagua hosted a meeting with Kajiado County leaders at Wamunyoro farm in Nyeri County, sparking intense discussions about his 2027 political ambitions.
The meeting is seen as just the beginning of Gachagua’s bid to gain traction among Kajiado’s more than 460,000 voters—many of whom are disillusioned with the current leadership.
Daniel Kachori, former MCA for Olosirkon Shoringe Ward and one of the meeting’s attendees, was candid about his support for Gachagua’s cause.
Speaking to insiderbits news Kachori explained why he believed a new wave of leadership was needed
“If you don’t make your own laws, you will be a slave to another’s,” Kachori said.
“Kajiado, and Kenya at large, will have a new, fresh breed of leaders because the people are determined to bring their own change. I want to be on the right side of history, and that’s why I’m joining Rigathi Gachagua and other like-minded leaders to form a people-centered political coalition to change Kenya.”
Kachori’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some Kajiado residents who feel their needs are not being adequately addressed by the current political establishment.
Gachagua’s message of inclusivity and change appears to be resonating, especially with those disillusioned by the central government’s promises.
However, Gachagua’s moves have not gone unchallenged.
In response, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki convened a meeting at his Karen residence on Friday with Kajiado’s elected and opinion leaders, urging them to remain loyal to President William Ruto.
Kindiki sought to reassure the leaders, emphasizing that the President’s government was still committed to fulfilling its promises, despite growing frustration among residents.
“The perception of failed promises is causing unrest, and we must give the President time to address these issues,” Kindiki said at the meeting. “We cannot afford to be divided now when we are building this country.”
The growing tensions between Gachagua and Ruto’s camps have been further fueled by local leaders like Senator Samuel Seki and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, both of whom have publicly criticized the President and State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito for not meeting expectations.
As the 2027 elections approach, it’s clear that the political landscape in Kajiado is shifting.
Gachagua’s outreach to the county’s leaders is a calculated move to consolidate support, and with defections mounting, the UDA party faces a real challenge in maintaining control of the region.
Whether Gachagua’s strategy will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kajiado politics is no longer a one-man show.
