A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders has dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims of being the political kingpin of Mt Kenya following opposition defeat in the just-concluded Mbeere North by-election.

Gachagua was backing and campaigning for united opposition candidate Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP), who was trounced by Leonard Muthende of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The opposition loss has become the focal point of a fierce political exchange with Kenya Kwanza leaders asserting that Gachagua’s kingpinship in the region was a fallacy. UDA win has given Kenya Kwanza leaders bragging rights with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku maintaining that Gachagua’s influence in the region had waned.

“The resounding defeat in Mbeere North where Gachagua pitched tent for a whole week campaigning for the opposition candidate was a clear indication that he has no place in Mt Kenya politics,” he said.

Speaking after visiting a victim of political violence at the Embu Level Five Hospital on Friday afternoon, Ruku mocked Gachagua’s self-proclaimed dominance in the region.

“The people of Mbeere North have sent a clear signal that they do not want to be led by divisive figures, but leaders focused on development,” he said.

He observed that the UDA victory firmly cements Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the true leader of the mountain.

“This election was about the people of Mbeere North sending a message to Gachagua that the Mt Kenya kingpin is Deputy President Kithure Kindiki,” Ruku said.

Gachagua, who had vigorously campaigned for Karish’s candidacy, has seen his political mettle questioned following the unexpected outcome. Area MP Elect Leonard Muthende said his win was a clear picture that politics of deceit and populism was over.

“The people have spoken, and it is Deputy President Kindiki who is firmly in control of the region’s political destiny. Gachagua needs to come to terms with this reality because I am here as a Member of Parliament elected on UDA ticket,” Muthende said.

He also said he was ready to defend his victory in the face of a looming petition being filed by the opposition in court, alleging the election was marred by massive cases of voter bribery, intimidation and chaos.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Samuel Waititu