Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of reviving a “Pentagon-style” alliance similar to that of 2007, claiming it is designed to weaken and politically sideline the Mt Kenya region in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday night, September 21, 2025, at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Gachagua alleged that Ruto had assembled a new coalition with top national leaders to counter the influence of Mt Kenya.
According to the former DP, the political alliance—referred to as the “revived Pentagon”—comprises President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho.
“This Pentagon is a political scheme to finish Mt Kenya just like they did in 2007,” said Gachagua.
The 2007 Pentagon, which propelled Raila Odinga’s ODM campaign, included Raila, Ruto, Mudavadi, former Tourism Minister Najib Balala, and the late Joe Nyaga, then Minister for Co-operatives.
Gachagua argued that in the new political arrangement, Kindiki had replaced Nyaga, while Joho had taken Balala’s place.
Building his own machine
Gachagua, who has since launched the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), maintained that Mt Kenya would not be intimidated by the President’s political maneuvers. He expressed confidence that his party would deliver sweeping victories across the country, particularly within his home turf.
“With my new party, I expect to bag 14 gubernatorial seats, 14 senatorial seats, 78 MP seats, and 416 MCA seats,” he said.
He described the party as a rising force with deep grassroots support and said it would serve as a vehicle to defend the political and economic interests of Mt Kenya.
“With such a strong army, it will be easy to champion for the interests of Mt Kenya region,” added Gachagua.
The former DP castigated MPs from the mountain region who have continued to back Ruto’s administration, describing them as “political sellouts” betraying the community’s long-term interests.
The seven million base
Gachagua also unveiled his national campaign strategy, pointing out that he already had a solid base of supporters in Mt Kenya.
“The votes which I am sure I have consolidated…those that I can even swear with a Bible are seven million,” he said.
He further revealed that he would not confine his political activities to the mountain but would venture into other regions in search of more support.
“I will then head to Maasailand, the Coast and the entire country. I will talk with the Gen Zs, payslip holders. I want to go on the table with 10 million votes,” said Gachagua.
