Speaking on Sunday, November 30, 2025, during a thanksgiving event at Kariobangi North, Gachagua maintained that his political influence remains intact.
He argued that his party continues to perform well across the country and insisted that one by-election loss cannot be used to judge his leadership or popularity, especially in the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua’s remarks came shortly after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Mbeere North MP-elect Leonard Muriuki wa Muthende publicly urged him to quit active politics.
The two leaders claimed that the by-election result was a clear sign that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had become the dominant political force in the region, replacing Gachagua as its key power broker.
Ruku, in particular, delivered a harsh message. While visiting a UDA mobiliser who was injured during the by-election, he told Gachagua to “go home” and leave the political stage to new leaders.
According to Ruku, the election outcome proved that Mt Kenya voters had shifted their loyalty and were now embracing a different direction.
But Gachagua strongly disagreed with this viewpoint. He said that the Mbeere North contest was competitive and should not be interpreted as the final word on his political future.
He added that every politician faces both wins and losses, and what matters is the overall performance of a party, not isolated setbacks.