Join opposition and we shall overcome, Rigathi Gachagua tells Mt Kenya region

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told his supporters in the Mt Kenya region to maintain defiance against President William Ruto by supporting his call to join the opposition.

Emboldened by increasing delegations of leaders visiting his Wamunyoro residence, the former DP on Sunday took the battle to his successor Kithure Kindiki’s doorstep in Meru, accusing him of sustaining the ‘lies’ of the Kenya Kwanza administration through consultative forums in Nairobi.

Mr Gachagua, who has promised to unveil a major political party in May, said his supporters should be ready to bear the pain of being in the opposition for the next two years.

“Let us be patient because we have two years to persevere under this administration. We were deceived that we would have more money in our pockets but even the little we had was taken,” Mr Gachagua said.

He spoke at St Joseph's Kagaaru AIPCA church in Igembe North, Meru County.

“When we were campaigning with President William Ruto, we did economic forums across the country and the people were clear what they wanted. Even before implementing this, people are being called for meetings in Karen to talk of their priorities,” Mr Gachagua said.

“What is happening at the Deputy President’s official residence in Nairobi is a sham. People are being paid to listen to lies,” he added.

He said instead of ferrying Kenyans to Nairobi, the current administration should come to the grassroots to deliver what they promised.

“It is disrespectful to the people of Meru to call them to Nairobi to spew lies,” he said.

On February 18, Prof Kindiki hosted the Meru delegation at his Karen residence where leaders were not allowed to speak with Prof Kindiki saying he was concerned the political rivalry pitting Meru county leadership could spill over into his meeting.

There is growing discontent in Meru over Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s leadership with bigwigs Kiraitu Murungi, Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi showing rare unity in a move seen as trying to lock her from recapturing the seat in 2027. Ms Mwangaza is in court fighting the Senate’s confirmation of her impeachment in August last year.

The leaders held a follow-up meeting at Thiiri Centre in Imenti North on Saturday (February 22) but remained tight-lipped over its agenda, only maintaining that they aimed to foster unity in Meru.

Major announcement

They, however, said a major announcement will be made depending on how the courts determine Ms Mwangaza’s case on March 14 with speculation rife that the leaders might ditch President William Ruto for Mr Gachagua.

After Prof Kindiki’s forum, the leaders held a secret meeting at one MP’s residence in Karen, where it is alleged they threatened to ditch UDA.

However, speaking to Nation.Africa in an interview at his Nkubu home on Sunday, Mr Murungi said they were not in a hurry to “lead the people of Meru to Wamunyoro” saying they would stick with the government for the sake of development.

“What we want is our people to benefit from development projects and this is only possible while in government. We have no intention of leading our people to the opposition at this time,” Mr Murungi said.

“We cannot go to Wamunyoro blindly. Gachagua is talking about removing President Ruto citing betrayal. Yes, we remove Ruto, so what next? How do we benefit? Gachagua should tell us what we stand to benefit by removing Ruto from power,” the former Meru governor said.

During his address in Maua, Mr Gachagua further accused leaders from the region of maintaining silence despite the ongoing bid to oust Chief Justice Martha Koome.

He claimed that the removal of the Chief Justice had been sanctioned by powerful officials and threatened to lead mass protests if CJ Koome is removed from office.

“We backed the President to the last man but he is now using the position to fight leaders from this region. We will not watch and wait for the CJ to be removed. If they attempt, we will go to the streets,” Mr Gachagua said.

The former DP vowed to beat his former boss and his allies through a meticulous campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We have formed a brand new political party and I will be the leader. Once we unveil the party, get out of UDA and register en masse. We foresee winning more than 120 parliamentary seats in the next election. Even if President Ruto rebrands his party, he cannot beat us,” he said, adding that he would traverse the region despite intimidation by President Ruto’s allies.

This is after AIPCA Bishop Ntongai Kiranja claimed that he had received a warning against hosting Mr Gachagua.

“I received a lot of threats for inviting Mr Gachagua to this church but I don’t fear anyone. I refused to be intimidated. Every person shall die one day,” Bishop Kiranja said.

Intimidation

Mr Gachagua hit out at Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu for attempting to block his visit.

“Let us agree that we must deal with leaders who have betrayed us. We are sending a strict signal to those who have betrayed us that they will be sent home alongside President Ruto,” Mr Gachagua said.

He added: "MPs should stop intimidating us when we visit Meru. Let them know that Rigathi Gachagua also has millions of followers.”

The former DP was accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina and several upcoming politicians from Meru County.

Senator Methu and Ms Maina defended Archbishop Anthony Muheria against attacks by politicians over his recent statements that the government should not focus on advertising itself.

“The clergy supported and prayed for this administration. We do not expect you to disrespect the clergy when they say all is not well. Leave Bishop Muheria alone,” Mr Methu said.

dmuchui@ke.nationmedia.com