Duale Slams Gachagua for Claiming Mount Kenya Politicians Should Dominate Nairobi

Duale Slams Gachagua for Claiming Mount Kenya Politicians Should Dominate Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks suggesting that politicians from the Mount Kenya region should dominate Nairobi’s political landscape after the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking during a public event on Sunday, December 7, Duale accused Gachagua of attempting to sow division among communities that have long coexisted and contributed to the capital’s growth. He emphasized that Nairobi’s political and economic ecosystem is built on the collective contributions of diverse communities and should not be subjected to tribal dominance.

“I really want the former Deputy President to respect other communities. The Kikuyu community is one of our best friends and business partners, particularly in Eastleigh. The people who buy goods from the malls in Eastleigh, the majority of them come from the Mount Kenya region,” Duale said.

He added that Gachagua’s remarks were politically motivated and risked undermining the unity that has defined Nairobi’s multicultural identity.

“If Gachagua wants to practice tribal politics, he should keep it to himself. Our national goal is to build a unified and indivisible Kenya where all communities are included,” Duale stressed.

Opposition Unity Debate

Duale’s comments came just hours after Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), dismissed reports of a supremacy battle within the opposition over control of Nairobi County. Gachagua insisted that the opposition remained united and would work collaboratively to support allies in regions where they hold political strength.

“In Nairobi, Wiper has had a big name. They’ve always helped ODM. There is no way we will have friendly fire. So where Wiper is strong, we will support Wiper. Where DCP is strong, we will request Wiper to support DCP,” Gachagua said.

He further clarified that the opposition would rely on Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s political experience to spearhead strategy in Nairobi.

“We want the face of Kenya in Nairobi, and we don’t want ODM to be left behind. We are depending on Kalonzo to plan for Nairobi because he has experience. That will be his job,” Gachagua added.

Clarifications and Denials

Gachagua’s remarks followed speculation that his party intended to control all top seats in Nairobi, including the gubernatorial and senatorial positions, in 2027. Kalonzo Musyoka quickly dismissed the claims, describing them as propaganda aimed at destabilizing opposition unity.

The opposition coalition has repeatedly assured supporters that it will field a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027, despite growing speculation of internal rifts.

Broader Implications

Analysts note that the exchange between Duale and Gachagua highlights the delicate balance within Kenya’s opposition politics, where ethnic representation and coalition strategy remain sensitive issues. Nairobi, as the country’s capital and economic hub, is seen as a critical battleground in the 2027 elections, making unity among opposition parties essential.

Duale’s intervention underscores the government’s concern over divisive rhetoric, while Gachagua’s clarification reflects efforts to maintain cohesion within the opposition alliance.

Conclusion

As Kenya heads toward the 2027 elections, the debate over Nairobi’s political future is intensifying. Duale’s warning against tribal dominance and Gachagua’s insistence on opposition unity illustrate the competing narratives shaping the capital’s political discourse.

Whether the opposition can maintain cohesion while balancing regional interests will be pivotal in determining its strength against the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.

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Duale Slams Gachagua for Claiming Mount Kenya Politicians Should Dominate Nairobi