Betty Maina to Gachagua: Keep My Name Out of Your Mouth

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina has firmly rejected any suggestion that she intends to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), urging him to stop mentioning her in his political activities.

In a Facebook post published on July 27, Maina dismissed speculation that she had fallen out with President William Ruto or was planning to switch political camps.

She told Gachagua to concentrate on his own political ambitions instead of involving her in his public statements.

“As a Kikuyu man, fight your battles with your fellow men and leave me out of it,” she wrote, adding, “Keep my name out of your mouth.”

The legislator stressed that Gachagua is not a political option for her under any circumstances, saying she would rather lose her current position than join his party.

“You are not an option. Even if it costs me my seat, so be it,” she declared.

Maina also pointed to President Ruto’s appointment of Kuria Wa Thuita as a commissioner, saying the move disproved claims that her relationship with the Head of State had deteriorated.

She noted that she had recently criticised Gachagua during an interview on Inooro TV before attending a public gathering in Murang’a, where she said she received a warm reception from residents.

Reaffirming her political position, Maina said she has no confidence in Gachagua’s leadership and has no intention of becoming part of his political movement.

“I do not believe in your leadership, and I will never join your political camp,” she said.

Her remarks come as political parties in the Mt Kenya region continue repositioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Meanwhile, Gachagua recently dismissed claims that DCP is trying to dominate or eliminate other political parties in the region. Speaking at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County, he said DCP welcomes healthy political competition and encouraged other leaders to strengthen their own parties instead of accusing his outfit of undermining them.

His comments followed concerns raised by Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya and Democratic Empowerment Party leader Lenny Kivuti, who have all rejected calls to dissolve their parties and merge with DCP.

The three leaders insisted that political parties are independent institutions whose future should only be determined through lawful internal procedures in line with the Political Parties Act. Munya argued that it makes little sense for parties to invest in building their own structures only to be asked to dissolve and join another political outfit.