Mt Kenya’s political vacuum beckons as Gachagua stays away in America
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's extended absence in the US has created a political power vacuum in the Mt Kenya region. Rival politicians are now competing to fill this void and influence the region's political direction.
Why it matters
Shifts in regional political leadership can significantly impact national stability and party dynamics in Kenya.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses Kenyans in Boston, Massachusetts /FACEBOOK Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s prolonged absence in the United States has opened a fresh political contest within Mt Kenya.
Rival leaders are trying to shape the region’s political direction as officials of his Democracy for the Citizens Party seek to maintain enthusiasm and momentum at home.
Gachagua is in the US on a 50-day tour that began on August 26. He is expected to return around November 14 when a major welcome and procession through Nairobi is planned.
While he remains active among Kenyans in the diaspora, his absence has left a vacuum, intensifying the contest for influence in Mt Kenya and tested DCP’s ability to stand on its own and increase its strength without his crowd-pulling presence and famous mobilisation skills.
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