Political Strategist Ngunjiri Wambugu Dumps Gachagua For Uhuru, Predicts Second Term for Ruto

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has made a significant political shift, leaving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp to rejoin former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.

In a surprising twist, Wambugu also expressed optimism about President William Ruto serving a second term, contrary to Gachagua’s recent assertions.

Speaking on Kogi’s Corner TV on Tuesday night, Wambugu clarified that his relationship with Gachagua was purely professional.

“I was not there as a politician. I was there as a professional. After the impeachment against him in October 2024, my work came to an end. I’m now back to my politics as an independent actor,” he stated.

Wambugu, who served as Gachagua’s communications expert from November 1, 2023, explained that his role was to improve the former Deputy President’s public image.

He revealed that he initially worked for the presidency as a whole, including President Ruto, before focusing exclusively on Gachagua’s communications strategy.

Mt. Kenya Political Realignment

Rigathi Gachagua.

The defection comes at a critical time when Gachagua is reportedly planning to launch a Mt. Kenya-focused political party later this month.

Wambugu strongly criticized this move, describing it as “the beginning of a one-party dictatorship” in the region.

“I am Jubilee. As a democracy, we cannot be a one-party dictatorship. I have a problem with that; we cannot have a Gachagua party that is for all in Mt. Kenya. That would undermine our ability to mobilize voters for 2027,” Wambugu asserted.

He further challenged Gachagua’s claim that all other parties in Mt. Kenya are “Ruto’s wheelbarrows,” calling it “not a strategically sound statement.”

Healing Political Landscape

According to Wambugu, the political climate in Mt. Kenya is gradually improving, with anger against President Ruto subsiding since Gachagua’s impeachment last November.

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu in a light moment during the Kogi’s Corner TV.

“People are healing. From the anger in November over the Gachagua impeachment, where people couldn’t listen to their leaders, today they are listening,” he observed.

Wambugu drew parallels between the current political situation and previous administrations, noting that both former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta faced significant opposition in their first two years but ultimately served full ten-year terms.

“I know there are people in Ruto’s government who are trying to figure out how to make his government popular. They will motivate themselves to make this government succeed. I hope there are people who will correct the mistakes,” he said.

Warning Against Political Balkanization

The former legislator warned Mt. Kenya residents against following Gachagua’s calls to “shout at Ruto” during presidential visits to the region. “We cannot zone ourselves… we cannot balkanize our region,” he cautioned.

He also highlighted the risk of the region losing the deputy presidency currently held by Prof. Kithure Kindiki if they don’t strategize properly.

“We are a crucial voting bloc. If we don’t stay with Ruto, we will lose the seat and if we don’t get it, we will leave… we are here to help the government work,” Wambugu emphasized.

Jubilee Party’s Position

Wambugu affirmed that Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, which receives funding from the exchequer, wants a stake in the 2027 general election.

“We are a party that is funded by the exchequer, we are not going to let that go by closing ourselves,” he declared.

He argued that multi-party competition in Mt. Kenya has historically driven high voter turnout, averaging 95% compared to the 66% typically seen in ODM strongholds where single-party dominance prevails.

Political Analysts’ Take

According to former Mt. Kenya MCA caucus leader Charles Mwangi, Wambugu’s defection creates uncertainty about Jubilee Party’s position and the stability of Gachagua’s political influence.

“Politics is a very interesting game full of deception. Mr. Wambugu even said that the only recognized king of Mt. Kenya is Mr. Kenyatta. Mr. Kenyatta publicly shook hands with President Ruto in December last year. We are at interesting moments,” Mwangi commented.

As the 2027 general election approaches, Wambugu has urged Mt. Kenya voters to make independent choices rather than following party waves as happened in 2022.

“Let’s not be fools, let’s vote for those who are ideal for us… let’s not go for 2022 party fever. I don’t see Gachagua making another wave,” he concluded.