Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua plans a defiant tour of Emurua Dikirr constituency in Narok County on Friday, testing President William Ruto's grip on the Rift Valley region.

• Gachagua aims to thank supporters and highlight alleged government failures in protecting land rights, following a recent by-election where his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate received 10,760 votes against the government-backed candidate.
• Key figures involved include Rigathi Gachagua (DCP leader) and local leaders warning against his visit, such as Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech and MP David Keter (UDA).
• Gachagua also plans to visit the family of the late former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno and intends to speak about the investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed his life and five others on February 28, 2026.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is initiating high-level talks to forge a partnership between the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and Wiper Patriotic Front, aiming to strengthen the mountain region's influence within the United Opposition.

• The goal is to ensure a unified approach to United Opposition activities rather than fragmented representation.
• Key figures involved include Rigathi Gachagua (DCP leader) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper leader).
• The discussions took place at Gachagua's residence in Nyeri County.

Tensions are rising within Kenya's broad-based government as the ODM party has set demanding conditions for its support of President William Ruto's re-election.

• The ODM's "irreducible minimums" include securing the 2027 Deputy President running mate slot and a 50/50 state power-sharing deal.
• This declaration has unsettled Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties and leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
• The demands were made clear during a broad-based government retreat in Naivasha.