Gitonga Marete
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Articles by Gitonga Marete
Asset and rabble rouser: Two sides of Rigathi Gachagua in the opposition Original
Caption for the landscape image: Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i (left) Democratic Party counterpart Justin Muturi and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua. Nation Media Group The growing political tension within the opposition escalated yesterday, bringing to sharp focus the role of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in complicating efforts to build a united front.
Gachagua, Kalonzo split over when to name top seat candidate Original
The question of when to name a joint presidential candidate took centre stage on Monday as Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua hosted Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri. The talks exposed differences within the United Opposition over the timing of a decision that could shape the 2027 election campaign.
Kalonzo meets Gachagua in Wamunyoro
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday met Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, in talks expected to help in efforts for a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in next year’s election. Mr Musyoka arrived at Mr Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home mid-morning accompanied by several of his close allies, entering into a meeting with his host that lasted several hours.
Kalonzo meets Gachagua in Wamunyoro
What you need to know: Mr Musyoka arrived at Mr Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home mid-morning accompanied by several of his close allies. The meeting came a week after Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna also held talks with Mr Gachagua in Wamunyoro. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday met Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, in talks expected to help in efforts for a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in next year’s election.
Kindiki rides on elders’ greenlight in renewed Central Kenya charm offensive
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is leveraging on the coronation by elders as Mt Kenya region spokesman to make inroads into the west part of the region where President William Ruto’s administration is facing serious political opposition. Prof Kindiki was endorsed by elders at Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu county on September 19, 2026, and immediately embarked on a charm offensive in Mt Kenya West with the aim of wrestling it from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki rides on elders’ greenlight in renewed Central Kenya charm offensive
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is leveraging on the coronation by elders as Mt Kenya region spokesman to make inroads into the west part of the region where President William Ruto’s administration is facing serious political opposition. Prof Kindiki was endorsed by elders at Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu county on September 19, 2026, and immediately embarked on a charm offensive in Mt Kenya West with the aim of wrestling it from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
‘Recognise Kindiki as spokesman’: Ruku sets Mt Kenya East -West unity condition
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has demanded that leaders in Mt Kenya West first recognise Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the region’s spokesman before he withdraws his campaign to split the mountain vote. On September 12, 2026, while addressing more than 15,000 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders at Nembure Stadium in Embu County, Prof Kindiki asked Mr Ruku to stop his clamour for a divided mountain and instead pursue unity.
‘Recognise Kindiki as spokesman’: Ruku sets Mt Kenya East -West unity condition
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has demanded that leaders in Mt Kenya West first recognise Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the region’s spokesman before he withdraws his campaign to split the mountain vote. On September 12, 2026, while addressing more than 15,000 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders at Nembure Stadium in Embu County, Prof Kindiki asked Mr Ruku to stop his clamour for a divided mountain and instead pursue unity.
The Mountain vote: The West, East gamble Original
The scramble for Mt Kenya voting bloc on Sunday went a notch higher following a verbal exchange between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, regarding the unity of the region. While Mr Gachagua accused Prof Kindiki of a scheme to divide the mountain into East and West ahead of the August 2027 General Election, the DP fired back, saying nobody was interested in splitting the region.
Ruto turns to technocrats in Mt Kenya battle Original
Technocrats in President William Ruto’s government have stepped up efforts to drum up support for his re-election bid ahead of the August 2027 General Election by explaining to Kenyans the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza administration. One of the challenges President Ruto has identified is poor communication of his achievements, which he says has created room for misinformation and contributed to public discontent.
Ruto turns to technocrats in Mt Kenya battle
Technocrats in President William Ruto’s government have stepped up efforts to drum up support for his re-election bid ahead of the August 2027 General Election by explaining to Kenyans the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza administration. One of the challenges President Ruto has identified is poor communication of his achievements, which he says has created room for misinformation and contributed to public discontent.
Ruto sasa atumia maafisa wa umma ‘kubembeleza’ Mlima
Siasa Ruto sasa atumia maafisa wa umma ‘kubembeleza’ Mlima Na GITONGA MARETE September 7th, 2026 Kusoma ni dakika: 1 RAIS William Ruto sasa anawategemea makatibu wa Baraza la Mawaziri na maafisa wengine wa serikali kupeleka ujumbe wa serikali mashinani katika juhudi za kurejesha uungwaji mkono wa Mlima Kenya kabla ya uchaguzi mkuu wa 2027.
Ruto sasa atumia maafisa wa umma ‘kubembeleza’ Mlima
Siasa Ruto sasa atumia maafisa wa umma ‘kubembeleza’ Mlima Na GITONGA MARETE September 7th, 2026 Kusoma ni dakika: 1 RAIS William Ruto sasa anawategemea makatibu wa Baraza la Mawaziri na maafisa wengine wa serikali kupeleka ujumbe wa serikali mashinani katika juhudi za kurejesha uungwaji mkono wa Mlima Kenya kabla ya uchaguzi mkuu wa 2027.
Two years after fire killed 21, Endarasha survivors seek answers Original
Two years ago today, Kenyans woke up to a horror that shook the nation. On the night of September 5, 2024, at least 21 boys perished in a dormitory fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri County, throwing families and relatives into mourning and agony. But the suffering did not end when the flames were extinguished and the victims were laid to rest. The pain did not end when learning finally resumed at the institution.
Ruto's new Mt Kenya comeback offensive: Can he win it back? Original
Caption for the landscape image: President William Ruto addresses Chuka residents and updated them on the progress of their counties and national development after handing over the newly-built Chuka Modern Market, Tharaka Nithi County on Sunday, April 26, 2026. PCS What you need to know: In the 2022 Presidential election, the mountain supported him almost to a man, giving the President 87 per cent of its votes.
Kindiki to IEBC: Don't allow anyone to intimidate you Original
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (left) chats with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi during an Interdenominational Church Service and fundraiser for 22 churches at Kipsamoo School Grounds in Kapseret Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, on August 30, 2026. DPCS Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday told the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to discharge its duties according to the Constitution and existing laws, saying no one should be favoured.
From Kibaki to Kindiki: Tharaka Nithi and the making of new Mt Kenya East power matrix
During the disputed 2007 presidential election, present-day Tharaka Nithi County shot into the limelight when one constituency delivered a decisive vote for Kenya’s third President, Mwai Kibaki (Party of National Unity), who was neck and neck with Orange Democratic Movement’s Raila Odinga. After nearly all votes had been tallied, an avalanche of over 90,000 ballots came in from the constituency, tilting the scale in favour of Mr Kibaki.
Ruto to police: Do not just arrest the goons, get their leaders and financiers too
President William Ruto on Friday ordered security agencies to pursue those who recruit, organise and finance youths to perpetrate political violence, saying such individuals must be held accountable for their actions. He directed the National Police Service to take firm action against anyone who finances, organises, and offers transport to gangs destined to cause chaos in political rallies.
Governor Njuki: Kindiki must be retained as running mate in 2027 Original
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has declared that Mt Kenya will not be split by the emerging political contest over the Deputy President position, saying the region must unite behind Prof Kithure Kindiki as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua: IEBC election tech deal ‘tailor-made’ for Korean firm Original
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the electoral commission has awarded a results transmission system contract to a South Korean firm. Concluding his 55 days of consultations with various groups of Kenyans at his Wamunyoro residence on Monday, Mr Gachagua said the contract “was tailor-made for the company”. “They made specifications for this contract, tailor-made for this company.
DP Kindiki asserts UDA dominance, dismisses Gachagua’s DCP as ‘visionless’ party Original
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday dismissed some political parties in the country as ‘visionless with no leaders’, saying only the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has proper grassroots presence. Addressing more than 10,000 Tharaka Nithi leaders who were recently elected at the polling station level at his Irunduni home, Prof Kindiki said some parties that were fronting themselves to contest the 2027 elections did not even have elected leaders.
Nyoro’s break with Ruto redraws 2027 opposition map Original
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has moved to put himself at the centre of the campaign to unseat President William Ruto in 2027, declaring the Head of State “Kenya’s number one enemy” and promising to criss-cross the country to build a united opposition capable of defeating him.
Mrengo mpya sasa waibuka Mlimani kumuunga mkono Ruto
HUKU vita vya kisiasa kudhibiti kura za eneo la Mlima Kenya vikizidi kushika kasi kuelekea Uchaguzi Mkuu wa 2027, mrengo wa tatu wa kisiasa unaohusishwa na Rais William Ruto umeibuka. Mbunge wa Ndia George Kariuki, mshirika wa karibu wa Rais Ruto, ameanzisha kile anachokiita “vikao vya mashauriano” nyumbani kwake Gacharu. Baada ya Rigathi Gachagua kung’olewa kutoka wadhifa wa Naibu Rais mnamo Oktoba 2024, alianza kampeni kali dhidi ya aliyekuwa bosi wake, akimlaumu kwa usaliti wa kisiasa.
Mt Kenya's third 'centre of power' emerges
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the fight for control of the significant Mt Kenya voting bloc is intensifying. A third centre of power associated with President William Ruto has emerged. After Rigathi Gachagua was impeached in October 2024, he launched a vigorous campaign against his former boss, whom he accused of betrayal.
Kindiki urges unity, tolerance in Mt Kenya region
Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki has reiterated his call for the unity of the Mt Kenya region, saying tolerance among residents and leaders was key in maintaining peace and harmony. Speaking during a fundraiser at Gaichanjiru Catholic Church in Kandara, Murang’a County, Prof Kindiki said he will continue preaching unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Race to succeed Waiguru heats up as aspirants declare interest
For nearly a decade, the fight for Kirinyaga's top seat has been dominated by women — Governor Anne Waiguru and her political rivals, Martha Karua and Wangui Ngirici. But that is about to change. As the 2027 race for the seat takes shape, four aspirants have declared interest in succeeding Ms Waiguru, who is completing her second and final term.
Gachagua exploits Ol Kalou victory, rallies Mt Kenya against Ruto
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has embarked on mobilising Mt Kenya residents against President William Ruto, ahead of the 2027 General Election following his Ol Kalou by-election victory. On Sunday, Mr Gachagua maintained that the Ol Kalou by-election was not a contest between political parties but a supremacy battle between President Ruto and the people of Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki rejects CS Ruku's push to split Mt Kenya
A political rift has emerged within President William Ruto's camp after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki publicly rejected Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku's push to split the Mt Kenya region into eastern and western political blocs.
Gachagua alleges plot to rig Ol Kalou by-election Original
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged a plot to rig the Ol Kalou by-election, claiming the violence witnessed during Thursday's poll was orchestrated by some Mt Kenya leaders allied to the government to force the cancellation of the election.
Ruto, Kindiki defend sale of government shares in Safaricom, Kenya Pipeline
President William Ruto is received by Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Senior Bishop Dr. Samuel Mureithi Njogu upon his arrival for a church service at Full Gospel Church, Gatunduri, in Embu County on July 5, 2026.
'Police bullet shattered my family' Original
Mary Wangechi stares blankly into the distance, her eyes unblinking until they well up with tears that slowly dry on her cheeks as she recounts her troubled life. She has cried enough over the last decade. Today, she simply gazes into a bleak future. The 65-year-old struggled to raise her four daughters and one son while working in tea farms in Kangaita village, Kirinyaga County. But fate would later force her to bury three of them.
Controversies cloud quest for Meru city status
The raging debate over the construction of a state lodge, airstrip and golf course inside Imenti Forest has thrust Meru County into the national spotlight. Yet long before the controversy erupted, the town had already set its sights on an even bigger prize of elevation to city status alongside Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret.
Wahuni wamelipwa kusababisha umwagikaji damu maadhimisho ya Juni 25, Gachagua adai
ALIYEKUWA Naibu Rais, Rigathi Gachagua, amedai kuwa Serikali inapanga kutumia nguvu na vitisho dhidi ya waandamanaji wanaotarajiwa kuingia barabarani kesho, na akawasihi vijana wa Gen Z kujiepusha na maandamano hayo. Kiongozi huyo wa Chama cha Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) alisema ana taarifa anazodai ni za kuaminika kwamba, baadhi ya viongozi wa kisiasa wameajiri wahuni watakaojipenyeza miongoni mwa waandamanaji wa amani ili kusababisha vurugu na machafuko.
Controversies cloud quest for Meru city status
The raging debate over the construction of a state lodge, airstrip and golf course inside Imenti Forest has thrust Meru County into the national spotlight. Yet long before the controversy erupted, the town had already set its sights on an even bigger prize of elevation to city status alongside Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret.
Wahuni wamelipwa kusababisha umwagikaji damu maadhimisho ya Juni 25, Gachagua adai
ALIYEKUWA Naibu Rais, Rigathi Gachagua, amedai kuwa Serikali inapanga kutumia nguvu na vitisho dhidi ya waandamanaji wanaotarajiwa kuingia barabarani kesho, na akawasihi vijana wa Gen Z kujiepusha na maandamano hayo. Kiongozi huyo wa Chama cha Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) alisema ana taarifa anazodai ni za kuaminika kwamba, baadhi ya viongozi wa kisiasa wameajiri wahuni watakaojipenyeza miongoni mwa waandamanaji wa amani ili kusababisha vurugu na machafuko.
Skip protests, Gachagua tells Gen Zs
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Gen Zs to skip the planned protests on Thursday, claiming that the State was planning to unleash terror on demonstrators. The leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) said he had credible information that political leaders had mobilised goons to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations and cause mayhem.
Skip protests, Gachagua tells Gen Zs Original
How ship from Tanzania became an unlikely fixture off Mombasa waters The ship ran aground on May 18, 2026, while coming from Dar es Salaam to make a stop in Mombasa for refuelling.
Autopsy reveals what killed student in anti-US Ebola facility protest
A Form Three student who died during protests in Nanyuki was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head, a postmortem conducted at Nanyuki Referral Hospital Mortuary has revealed. Sylvester Muigai, 16, was a student at Thingithu Secondary School. He was shot during demonstrations in Nanyuki on June 9, to protest the establishment of an Ebola treatment facility, a day after he had been sent home to collect a school fee balance.
Battle for Laikipia: Kiunjuri, Ndiritu, Waruguru in tight 2027 governor contest
The race for the Laikipia governor’s seat is taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest shaped by personalities, development records, party alignments and emerging political formations in Mt Kenya. The political battle lines are being drawn in the succession of incumbent Governor Joshua Irungu, who lost his re-election bid in 2017 to Ndiritu Muriithi, before reclaiming the seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wave.
Battle for Laikipia: Kiunjuri, Ndiritu, Waruguru in tight 2027 governor contest
The race for the Laikipia governor’s seat is taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest shaped by personalities, development records, party alignments and emerging political formations in Mt Kenya. The political battle lines are being drawn in the succession of incumbent Governor Joshua Irungu, who lost his re-election bid in 2017 to Ndiritu Muriithi, before reclaiming the seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wave.
'I told him not to go': Victim killed in anti-Ebola facility protest identified as school-going teen
On Monday, Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u, 16, a Form Three student at Thingithu Secondary School, was sent home to collect a fee balance of Sh5,700. The following day, his mother, Lucy Kagure, was called by one of her clients to wash clothes. “I do casual work, including washing clothes, and when my client called, I could not decline. I told him to stay in the house as I look for money to clear his school fees balance and left,” Kagure told the Nation.
'I told him not to go': Victim killed in anti-Ebola facility protest identified as school-going teen
What you need to know: "I told him to stay in the house as I look for money to clear his school fees balance and left". On Monday, Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u, 16, a Form Three student at Thingithu Secondary School, was sent home to collect a fee balance of Sh5,700. The following day, his mother, Lucy Kagure, was called by one of her clients to wash clothes. “I do casual work, including washing clothes, and when my client called, I could not decline.
Price crash fuels calls to lift Macadamia export ban Original
In 2009, Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture banned export of unprocessed macadamia and cashew nuts to build local processing capacity and create jobs. The policy required processors to buy all farmers’ produce locally, aiming to retain value addition within the country. Seventeen years later, the sector has expanded from five processors to more than 30, but farmers say the benefits remain uneven. Growers say farm-gate prices have become unstable and are often controlled by middlemen.
Farmers demand lifting of ban as macadamia nuts rot in stores Original
Farmers in macadamia growing counties want the government to lift the ban on export of unprocessed nuts, saying local buyers are offering low prices for their produce. The Ministry of Agriculture banned export of in-shell nuts in 2009, which was expected to build capacity for local processing and create jobs. Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) prohibits the export of macadamia and cashew nuts in their raw form.
Farmers demand opening of macadamia export window as produce rot in farms Original
Farmers in macadamia-growing counties are calling on the government to lift the ban on the export of unprocessed nuts, saying local buyers are offering low prices for their produce. The Agriculture ministry banned the export of in-shell nuts in 2009 in a move aimed at building local processing capacity and creating jobs. Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act prohibits the export of macadamia and cashew nuts in their raw form.
How PCEA priest was attacked and murdered in church compound Original
An ongoing investigation has revealed chilling details of the attack on Reverend Julius Ndumia of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Tabuga Parish in Lanet, Nakuru County, by four thugs disguised as police officers on May 3, 2026. Two of the suspects have been arrested by the police and remanded in custody for 21 days pending arraignment, while the other two are said to be on the run. The funeral service for the murdered Nakuru cleric, Reverend Julius Ndumia, was held on May 11, 2026.
Murkomen to Uhuru: Be like Kibaki who retired like a statesman Original
Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday hit out at former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his continued involvement in active politics, and told him to assume the role of an elder statesman like President Mwai Kibaki did. The CS noted that when President Kibaki retired, he transitioned into a statesman who offered guidance to the then government and national leaders.
Ruto signals Kindiki as preferred 2027 running mate amid heated ODM negotiations Original
President William Ruto on Sunday appeared to have settled on Prof Kithure Kindiki as his preferred running mate for the 2027 presidential race, as he walks a tightrope in negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over a possible pre-election coalition. During his tour of Murang’a on Friday and Saturday, the President, while addressing residents, implied that Prof Kindiki “anatosha” (is up to the task).
Crash of fate: How split-second swerve left 16 dead on Nyeri road Original
The journey from Nyahururu to Nyeri on the evening of March 28, 2026 had been calm, almost routine. At around 5.30pm, about 20 kilometres to their destination, Henry Gatiba, Chris Wachira and their driver Ken Waweru made a brief stop at a roadside shopping centre. They bought cans of yoghurt, stretched their legs and prepared for the final leg of the trip.
Abandoned bag triggers panic after schoolgirl disappears on way home for Easter holiday Original
A family in Nyeri County has been thrown into panic after their daughter went missing after schools were closed for the Easter holidays. Joy Wanjiru, a Form Three student at Kenya High School, was reported missing in the evening of April 1, 2026 when she was expected to arrive home. Her mother, Esther Gathigia said Joy was picked from school by her brother, Denis Muhoro on Wednesday morning and dropped at the bus stage in Nairobi where she boarded a matatu.
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