Lawyer and senior presidential advisor Makau Mutua has warned former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua of plans to dethrone him as the Mount Kenya region kingpin.
Through his social media handles, Makau pointed out that former Attorney General Justin Muturi appears to be positioning himself as a formidable challenger to Gachagua's political dominance in the region.
"Is Justin Muturi positioning himself to dethrone Rigathi Gachagua in Mt. Kenya?" Makau Mutua questioned, citing recent political developments that suggest a brewing power struggle between the two leaders.
The warning comes in the wake of the Mbeere North Constituency by-election dynamics, with what Mutua described as a "bruising boardroom fight" between the two political heavyweights as exposing underlying tensions.
According to Mutua, Gachagua eventually ‘caved in the contest’.
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The political maneuvering became evident when Muturi, through the Democratic Party, moved to field Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Newton Karish, as their candidate for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
Speaking at Kanyuombora Grounds following a church service, Muturi praised Karish's track record and deep community roots.
"Karish is no stranger to service; his leadership in Mumenji speaks for itself. He is a dedicated son of Mbeere, grounded in our values and committed to championing the aspirations of our people," Muturi declared during the candidate unveiling ceremony.
In what appeared to be a strategic retreat, Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) announced it would not field a candidate in the by-election and would instead support Muturi's Democratic Party candidate.
Gachagua justified this decision by stating that it was guided by "fairness and respect for political partners under the United Opposition pact."
"In the spirit of collaboration and fairness under the united opposition and our resolve to unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, DCP shall support the Democratic Party (DP) in Mbeere North Constituency," said Gachagua.
However, Muturi's recent remarks suggest he has no intention of being subordinated to any regional political arrangement.
Speaking at the National Independent Church of Africa, St-Peter Kaunjira, the former Attorney General, dismissed calls for Mt. Kenya leaders to rally behind a single political party.
"I've heard some of you suggest that people from Mt Kenya should only rally behind one party. Never. Let me be clear, that is a firm No!" Muturi said.
The former Cabinet Secretary, who left government after falling out with President William Ruto, argued that Kenya's Constitution guarantees multiparty democracy and that no one can dictate political affiliations.
"Every citizen has the right to belong to a political party of their choice under Article 38, and no one can take that away from you," he said, criticizing those pushing for political uniformity in the region.
The by-election was necessitated by appointing former MP John Mutunga Ruku to President Ruto's Cabinet, creating a vacancy that has now become a testing ground for political influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
