Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again found himself at the centre of a heated political controversy, a testament of the fragility of alliances within Kenya's ruling coalition.
As accusations of tribal politics and undermining President William Ruto's government swirl, the political landscape is marked by a visible rift between Gachagua's defenders and detractors.
Political big boys have resorted to picking factions and throwing salvos at each other, moreso, dressing down the second in command.
The latest episode in this unfolding drama was ignited by comments from Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wa, a prominent Ruto ally and the Majority Leader in the National Assembly.
Speaking at a fundraiser in his Kikuyu Constituency, Ichung'wah accused Gachagua of covertly orchestrating a campaign to limit President Ruto to a single term.
He claimed Gachagua was positioning himself to take over the presidency by weakening Ruto's political base, particularly targeting the influential Mt Kenya region.
This accusation taps into deep-seated fears of betrayal and political instability, echoing past instances where political alliances have spectacularly collapsed.
Gachagua, on his part, vehemently denied these allegations. His public statements emphasised his loyalty to both the President and the Kenyan electorate.
"I only have two bosses, the people of Kenya and the President, and I have done what the President has directed me to do," Gachagua stated during a tour in Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties on Sunday.
The second in command also cried foul after his operatives were allegedly harassed by security agencies used for political expediency.
His remarks highlight a plea for respect for his office and a rejection of what he perceives as overreach by presidential aides and other secondary figures within the government hierarchy.
In response to Ichung'wah's charges, allies of Gachagua have not only defended his integrity but also accused certain figures within the government of using their positions to destabilise the DP.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru have been particularly vocal.
Gakuya warned of retaliation against those undermining Gachagua, suggesting that a "secret weapon" might be employed if the internal conflicts continue.
The accusations against Gachagua and the counter-accusations from his camp reveal a deeper struggle within Kenya’s political system where ethnic politics and personal ambitions often collide with the ideals of national unity and effective governance.
Aden Duale and National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro have pointed out that such divisive politics could lead to instability, drawing parallels with troubled neighbouring countries.
Analysts argue that the public squabble not only threatens the cohesion of the ruling party but also distracts from the government’s larger agenda.
President William Ruto and his deputy have not confirmed whether there is bad blood between them, but the fierce exchange of words between their henchmen alludes to a deep but muted enmity.
