Wamunyoro conclave: Where Gachagua's grip of Mt Kenya was firmed

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Nyandarua Governor Badilisha at Wamunyoro in Nyeri County on July 29, 2026. [James Munyeki, Standard]

When political leaders and grassroots delegations began making their way to Wamunyoro, the rural home of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Mathira, Nyeri County, the gatherings appeared to be ordinary political consultations.

But months later, the meetings have evolved into one of the most significant political developments in Mt Kenya, turning a private residence into a political command centre and giving Gachagua a platform to rebuild his influence after his fallout with President William Ruto’s administration.

The Wamunyoro conclave has become the centre of a political realignment, attracting governors, Members of Parliament, former leaders, political aspirants and grassroots delegates seeking to engage with the former Deputy President on the future direction of Mt Kenya and the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

For Gachagua’s allies, the gatherings have marked the emergence of a grassroots movement that has repositioned him from a former holder of a powerful government office to a leader seeking legitimacy through public support.

The growing number of delegations visiting Wamunyoro has also helped fuel a new political narrative among his supporters, who have increasingly referred to him as the “people’s president”, arguing that his influence is anchored on his connection with ordinary citizens rather than a government position.

Gachagua’s political journey changed dramatically after his fallout with President Ruto, which culminated in his removal from office as Deputy President.

The exit from government left questions over whether he would retain influence in Mt Kenya, a region that had overwhelmingly supported the Kenya Kwanza administration in the 2022 General Election.

Instead of retreating, Gachagua turned to grassroots mobilisation, using Wamunyoro as a platform to rebuild alliances and engage leaders from different parts of the country.

He has also promised to build a new generation of leaders who will sustain the political cause beyond individual personalities.

“I will raise soldiers who will defend the interests of the mountain,” he said.

The turning point came after DCP secured a major victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

The win provided supporters with what they described as evidence that the political energy generated around Gachagua could translate into electoral success.

For his allies, Ol Kalou was not just a by-election victory but a demonstration that the structures being built around Wamunyoro could mobilise voters.

EALA MP Kanini Kega said Gachagua played a central role in coordinating the campaign from Wamunyoro, where he engaged local leaders and provided strategic direction.

“During the Ol Kalou by-election, Rigathi was giving directions and directives from Wamunyoro. He would speak to Senator John Methu and we would implement what he told us, and that is why we achieved that victory,” Kega said.

Kega said the outcome had strengthened interest in DCP, with leaders from different parts of the country beginning to engage with the party.

He said the conclave had expanded Gachagua’s political reach beyond Mt Kenya.

“Through this conclave, Gachagua has met many people from all over the country. Many communities are willing to join his party because they see it as a movement that is bringing people together,” he said.

The Ol Kalou victory also accelerated political realignments around Gachagua.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha and other regional political figures moved closer to DCP, strengthening perceptions that the party was gaining momentum ahead of 2027.

Nyeri gubernatorial aspirant Thuo Mathenge became one of the leaders to formally align himself with Gachagua, announcing that he had left The New Democrats (TND) party to join DCP.

Mathenge said his decision was influenced by his efforts to unite retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua, arguing that Mt Kenya’s political influence depends on unity.

“I have been at the forefront of bringing Uhuru and Rigathi together. Because of that, I decided to lead by example by uniting people. I have left my own party, TND, and joined the People’s President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, DCP, because we cannot afford to be divided,” Mathenge said.

He said Gachagua had authorised him to popularise the party across the country and confirmed he would contest the Nyeri gubernatorial seat on a DCP ticket.

“We have decided that the People’s President is Rigathi Gachagua. He has given me permission to sell the party, and I will go around the country popularising the DCP,” he said.

Mathenge said unity among the Kikuyu community would determine its influence in the 2027 political contest.

“If the Kikuyu community does not unite, our votes will not have the numbers. But when we are united, we shall be able to push for one of our own,” he said.

A major element of Gachagua’s political messaging has been his renewed recognition of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s role in Mt Kenya politics.

Although the two leaders supported different sides during the 2022 General Election, Gachagua has argued that Uhuru remains an elder statesman whose contribution to the country must be respected.

He has said he will involve Uhuru when the time is right and warned leaders against insulting the former President.

“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta served this country and left behind development projects that every Kenyan can see. Whether people agreed with him politically or not, his contribution to this nation cannot be erased. That is why I have said he should never be insulted or disrespected by anyone. When the appropriate time comes, we shall involve him in our consultations because he remains an elder statesman with valuable counsel. For now, let us accord him the respect he deserves for serving Kenya,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua has also argued that one of the lessons from Uhuru’s political experience was the need to prepare future leaders.

He has said his movement will invest in mentorship to avoid relying on one individual.

“The mistake we made before was failing to mentor and prepare people who would continue with the journey. We must have young leaders who understand our values and who will carry the interests of the people forward. We cannot build a movement that depends on one person; we must build a generation of leaders,” he said.

The Wamunyoro meetings have also played a role in shaping Gachagua’s image among supporters as a leader who represents public frustrations.

Nyeri County Assembly Speaker James Gichuhi Mwangi said the continued visits to Wamunyoro demonstrated the confidence citizens had placed in Gachagua.

“The people have continued to show where their confidence lies. The visits to Wamunyoro are a reflection of the connection between the people and their leader. Rigathi Gachagua has earned the title of the People’s President because of the way he has remained close to wananchi and listened to their concerns,” Gichuhi said.

He argued that the political mood in Mt Kenya had shifted.

“President Ruto should know that the mountain is gone. The people are with Rigathi Gachagua because they have made their choice. But this is not just about Mt Kenya; the whole country is tired of promises that have not been kept. Kenyans want leaders who listen to them, leaders who stand with them and leaders who deliver on their word,” he said.

Meru County DCP coordinator Patrick Muriungi said Gachagua had become the voice of Kenyans seeking an alternative political direction.

“He is the people’s opposition voice. He is the people’s hope to reclaim our nation Kenya from total economic, political and social ruin under President William Ruto. He is the people’s trusted opposition leader, a truthful man,” Muriungi said.

Carol “CK” Muriuki, who is seeking the North Imenti parliamentary seat on a DCP ticket, described Gachagua as the leader of choice for Kenyans seeking change.

“Rigathi Gachagua is the people’s choice for president. He is the King of the Mountain,” she said.

Nyeri MCA Patrick Karanja said Gachagua had built a connection with Kenyans through his criticism of government policies

"Rigathi Gachagua has proved to be the people’s president because he resonates with Kenyans. He is highly intelligent and continues to keep Kenyans alert on what the current regime is doing,” Karanja said.

The political contest around Gachagua is underpinned by Mt Kenya’s electoral strength.

The region remains one of Kenya’s largest voting blocs, with millions of registered voters spread across counties including Kiambu, Meru, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.

According to IEBC voter figures, the core Mt Kenya counties command more than 4.4 million registered voters, making the region a crucial battleground for any presidential contender seeking to build a winning coalition in 2027.

Kiambu leads with more than 1.2 million voters, followed by Meru with over 770,000, Murang’a with more than 620,000, Nyeri with about 480,000, Kirinyaga with over 370,000, Nyandarua with more than 360,000, Embu with over 330,000 and Tharaka Nithi with more than 230,000.

Gachagua’s allies argue that Wamunyoro has demonstrated that he is now the central figure in the opposition’s efforts to challenge President Ruto in 2027.

John Mwai, a DCP aspirant for Ruringu Ward, described Gachagua as the country’s leading opposition voice.

“Rigathi Gachagua is the people’s president and the current leader of the opposition. He has become the voice of millions of Kenyans who are looking for change,” Mwai said.

For Mathira resident Peter Kamau, the constant movement of leaders and citizens to Wamunyoro shows that the former Deputy President has become a rallying point.

“People do not travel from all corners of the country to Wamunyoro by accident. They come because they believe Rigathi Gachagua is the people’s president and the leader of the opposition,” he said.