The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised Mount Kenya MPs for what he termed as unquestioning loyalty to President William Ruto, reigniting political tensions in the region.
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Speaking on Sunday at AIPCA Gatumbi Church in Lari Constituency, Kiambu, Gachagua accused the lawmakers of failing to think independently, branding their conduct a disgrace to the region.
“They agree to everything Ruto says without question,” he stated, warning the MPs that voters would ultimately hold them accountable.
“Go on, but be ready to face the people,” he said in Swahili.
Gachagua’s latest comments are likely to fuel renewed friction with regional MPs, many of whom supported his ouster from the deputy presidency less than a year ago.
Since his removal from office in October 2024, Gachagua has campaigned across Mount Kenya, calling on voters to reject the MPs he accuses of betraying regional interests. He has consistently framed their actions as a betrayal of the region’s political will.
Earlier, in September 2024, he issued a strong warning during a rally in Nairobi, urging Mount Kenya MPs to either align with him or face electoral defeat.
He argued that his mandate came directly from the people, not Parliament, and dismissed efforts to remove him as orchestrated by bribes and intimidation.
Gachagua also likened disloyal politicians to colonial-era “home guards,” vowing to expose those undermining Mount Kenya’s unity.
His aggressive stance is widely seen as a bid to reclaim influence in the region and counter growing support for leaders allied to Ruto, including Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki, however, has cautioned Gachagua against threatening incumbents and stirring political unrest. He said the government would not tolerate premature campaigns that disrupt development.
The power struggle continues to divide the Kenya Kwanza alliance, with Gachagua’s allies pushing for a more region-focused agenda, while others advocate for national alignment under President Ruto’s leadership.
