This weekend, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will be on Kiririmbi. But his appearance is not just a casual media stop — it is a survival tactic. Whenever Gachagua senses that his influence in Mt Kenya is fading, he rushes to the media to charge the ground again.
The pattern is clear. When leaders start deserting him and his crowds thin out, Gachagua turns to vernacular radio or TV. On these platforms, he can portray himself as the “voice of the mountain,” stir emotions, and remind people he still exists politically. His mission is simple: to excite Mt Kenya and pull back the followers who are slipping away.
Just last month, Gachagua appeared on Citizen TV with Yvonne Okwara. The interview didn’t go as planned. Pressed to give solid answers, he struggled. That is why he prefers shows like Kiririmbi, where he hopes for an easier platform — one where he can speak without being asked to back up his claims.
But this strategy has a dangerous side. Gachagua thrives on making Mt Kenya feel isolated from the rest of the country. Instead of promoting unity, he fuels division, casting himself as the defender of the region against outsiders. This keeps him politically relevant but weakens national cohesion.
The truth is, Gachagua’s star is dimming. Most elected and former leaders who once walked with him are rarely by his side today. Serious aspirants no longer flock to his rallies, and even the crowds are getting smaller. His relevance in the opposition depends entirely on his ability to keep Mt Kenya charged. Without that, his value fades.
And that explains why, every time the ground begins to slip, Gachagua runs straight to the media.
