Complicated: Mt Kenya ticket dilemma leaves Gachagua at a crossroads

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political calculations for 2027 are increasingly being complicated by a question that could determine the extent of his influence in Mt Kenya — whether he will have a place on the ballot himself or be forced to negotiate from outside the race.

The dilemma is tied to his continuing legal battle over the impeachment that removed him from office in October 2024. In June, the High Court declined to quash the Senate’s impeachment resolution, although it found that his fair-trial rights had been infringed and issued other declaratory orders. He vowed to pursue an appeal.