Pauline Njoroge and the intrigues behind Uhuru-Gachagua truce

By Newsflash Team

The sudden political detente between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has become the talk of the Mount Kenya region, with fresh details emerging about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to the unlikely handshake.

At the heart of this unexpected rapprochement is Pauline Njoroge, a powerful digital strategist and longtime ally of Uhuru, whose recent activities have confirmed the thawing of relations between the two political heavyweights.

On Sunday, Pauline Njoroge and Gachagua were both present at a church fundraiser in Nyahururu, Laikipia County—a rare public appearance that has fueled speculation about their current political alignment.

While Njoroge remained non-committal about her relationship with Gachagua and whether their appearance at the same event was pre-planned, insiders say the optics were intentional and symbolic.

Njoroge, once briefly allied to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki after quitting the defunct Azimio coalition, has remained one of Uhuru’s closest confidantes.

She currently works in the Office of the Fourth President and is believed to act as a key link between Uhuru and the political establishment. Earlier this year, she served as a digital strategist for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, a role she reportedly secured with Uhuru’s blessings.

Handshake born from discontent

According to political strategists familiar with the developments, the growing dissatisfaction in the Mt Kenya region over President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration played a key role in bringing Uhuru and Gachagua together.

Despite being on opposing sides during the 2022 general election, both leaders now appear to be united by a shared concern: the political direction of the region and the mounting pressure from their respective supporters to present a united front.

“Uhuru and Gachagua have come to the realization that continued rivalry between the Jubilee Party and Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP) only benefits their mutual opponents,” a strategist close to the negotiations told Newsflash. “The handshake is about unity and survival in a volatile political environment.”

Insiders also reveal that the two leaders engaged in extensive backchannel talks through emissaries before agreeing to put aside their long-standing political and personal differences. With Uhuru having recently regained full control of the Jubilee Party following a favorable High Court ruling, he reportedly saw little value in continued antagonism.

“Uhuru agreed to the handshake because he has what he wanted—control of Jubilee. Gachagua, on the other hand, wants to strengthen his base in Mt Kenya without the distractions of intra-regional political fights,” added the strategist.

Digital strategy realignment

A clear indicator of the newly forged alliance is the noticeable shift in the tone and messaging of political influencers who once served in Uhuru’s Azimio campaign machinery.

Pauline Njoroge’s pivot to supporting Gachagua in her online commentaries is seen as a strategic move to rebrand the former deputy president and align him with Uhuru’s loyal base.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta (left), President William Ruto (centre) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during their swearing in on 13 September, 2022. Photo/PCS

“From now henceforth, Pauline Njoroge will be promoting Gachagua in her online commentaries. It is a confirmation that the Uhuru-Gachagua handshake has materialized,” said a well-placed source familiar with the plan.

Additionally, other former Azimio-aligned digital warriors, including former Education Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Zaack Kinuthia—previously one of Gachagua’s fiercest critics—have started posting pro-Gachagua content. This synchronized messaging is believed to be part of a broader political realignment in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general election.

Zack Kinuthia’s recent change in tone has not gone unnoticed, with observers pointing out that his recent praise for Gachagua marks a sharp departure from his combative stance during the 2022 campaigns. It signals a possible broader realignment of political figures in the region, many of whom are re-evaluating their positions ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Another key figure who has notably shifted his position is Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni.

Once a relentless critic of Gachagua, Kioni has recently toned down his rhetoric. Sources say Kioni’s silence is not accidental, but part of a wider political agreement to foster peace and avoid unnecessary fragmentation in Mt Kenya’s political landscape.

Strategic implications for 2027

The handshake between Uhuru and Gachagua is expected to have far-reaching implications in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

By mending fences, the two leaders have effectively neutralized one of the biggest threats to political cohesion in Mt Kenya—the internal rivalry between factions loyal to either camp.

Analysts suggest that this move could give the region a stronger bargaining position in the national political arena, especially if Gachagua decides to break ranks with Ruto or negotiate a new power-sharing arrangement.

For Uhuru, the move could provide an opportunity to reassert his political influence without directly seeking office, while Gachagua stands to benefit from a more unified home base.

Still, some observers remain skeptical about the longevity of the handshake, citing the deep mistrust that has defined the relationship between the two leaders. However, for now, the public optics and the shifting political rhetoric suggest that both camps are willing to give the alliance a chance.