In a move that has shaken the political landscape, Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Wamaua has publicly withdrawn her support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, offering instead her endorsement to President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wamaua, who had long been a staunch ally of Gachagua, was a visible and vocal supporter during pivotal moments of his political career. She stood by him during his contentious impeachment proceedings, even accompanying him to the hospital after he was rushed there. Her loyalty had been unwavering, positioning her as a key figure in Gachagua’s camp.
But during Ruto’s recent tour of Mt. Kenya, Wamaua stunned both her supporters and detractors alike by announcing her shift in allegiance. In a speech that was part personal reflection and part political declaration, she made it clear that her loyalty had now firmly shifted towards Ruto.
“I am committed to supporting President Ruto’s leadership. This is his moment, his final lap,” Wamaua said. “We must give him the time and space to fulfill his promises. When the time to hold him accountable comes in 2027, I know he will have delivered.”
Her shift is seen as a significant blow to Gachagua’s camp, raising questions about how alliances will evolve in the run-up to the 2027 election. Wamaua’s decision marks a notable fracture within Mt. Kenya’s political elite and hints at deeper changes in the region’s power dynamics.
While Gachagua had reportedly been in talks with Wamaua since late 2024, trying to maintain her support, the Maragua MP explained that the relationship had not yielded the results she had hoped for. Wamaua also credited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who played a pivotal role in persuading her to pivot away from Gachagua.
As the 2027 election approaches, Wamaua’s defection could be just the first in a series of shifting political allegiances. For now, the move marks a bold assertion of political agency, underscoring that in Kenya’s volatile political environment, loyalty can often be as fleeting as it is vital.
