A seemingly conciliatory gesture by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua towards his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, is being interpreted by political analysts as a sophisticated political maneuver rather than a genuine attempt at reconciliation.

• Rigathi Gachagua has unexpectedly defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against calls for political division within the Mt Kenya region.
• This move follows Gachagua's planned Mt Kenya East tour, which overlaps with Kindiki's political stronghold.
• Analysts suggest Gachagua is employing reverse psychology to increase pressure on Kindiki and assert his own influence as the de facto Mt Kenya leader, particularly after a significant victory for the DCP candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election.