Gachagua Reveals How He Wanted Methu to Trigger a Mount Kenya Political Showdown

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he once wanted Nyandarua Senator John Methu to resign and trigger a fresh Senate contest in the region.

Gachagua said the proposed by-election would have been used to test his political influence in Mount Kenya and provide him with an opportunity to directly challenge President William Ruto.

Methu Was Expected to Resign

Speaking during a town hall meeting in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Gachagua said he had persuaded Methu to give up his Senate seat and seek re-election on a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.

The former deputy president said the proposed contest was deliberately intended to create a political showdown with Ruto after their fallout and his removal from office through impeachment in 2024.

Gachagua said he wanted to “meet him head-on” after accusing the President of disrespecting him.

However, the plan was abandoned after the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho created a separate electoral contest in Nyandarua.

DCP Shifted Focus to Ol Kalou

According to Gachagua, attention was subsequently redirected to the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election instead of forcing Methu to vacate his Senate position.

DCP candidate Sammy Waweru Ngiotho went on to win the contest with 35,440 votes, while UDA's Samwel Muchina Nyagah received 5,450 votes.

Methu, who played a prominent role in the DCP campaign during the by-election, was later designated as the party's Secretary General.

Methu's Political Position

The episode also highlights the political realignment involving Methu, who was elected Nyandarua Senator on a UDA ticket before becoming closely associated with Gachagua's DCP.

Methu has since taken a senior role within DCP as the party continues to expand its political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Political Parties Act contains provisions governing the movement of elected officials between political parties, including circumstances requiring resignation and a fresh mandate.

The issue has remained contentious as several elected leaders have shifted political allegiance ahead of the 2027 polls while retaining their elective positions.