Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, September 20, 2025, returned to what he referred to as familiar ground when he attended a church service in Mutituni, Machakos County.

Speaking to the congregation, Gachagua reflected on his early days in Machakos in the 1980s when he worked as an untrained teacher before joining university. He said the area of Mutituni and Mumbuni held deep memories for him as a young man.

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“Your excellency Kalonzo Musyoka mimi si mgeni hapa, area hii ya mtituni, mumbuni, kuelekea mpaka town. 1984, nilikuwa hapa nikiwa kijana mdogo nikingoja kwenda university. Nilikuwa mwalimu; yule anaitwa UT, untrained teacher. Hapa Kwanthanze; nilikuwa nasomesha hapo. Tulikuwa tunalipwa Ksh1,230, na ilikuwa pesa mingi sana. Ilikuwa inatosha unanunua jeans unanunua nini, tunaenda disco pale gungani, unajua gungani? Na inabaki. Na tunakaa hapo, tunakaa hapo vizuri sana,” he said.

Gachagua remembered fondly how life was affordable then. With his salary he could meet his needs and still enjoy social outings, including evenings at popular disco joints in the area. He mentioned a local elder named Kavoo, whose son taught alongside Gachagua at Kwanthanze.

“Tulikuwa tunakuja hapa kwa mzee alikuwa anaitwa Kavoo. His son tulikuwa tunasomesha na yeye hapo Kwanthanze.”

Machakos family

While addressing the faithful in Mutituni, Gachagua explained why he chose to attend the service despite having other commitments. He spoke of a personal bond he feels with the people of Machakos, referring to them as part of his extended family.

“Nataka niseme kiongozi aliniambia tukuje, nilikuwa nataka niende pande ya Embu. Lakini niliposikia ninaitwa kwa cousins, hi cousins, Mko sawa macuzo? Saa hii vile Kasongo ametusumbua, na kusumbua Kenya, mtu anakimbilia kwa familia yake. Si mambo ikikua ngumu unakimbilia kwa family? Sasa when I heard my cousins are calling, nikasema wacha niende kwa familia. Sisi na nyinyi we are one family. Sindio,” Gachagua told the congregation.

The former Deputy President emphasised that the unity between leaders and communities was important in facing the country’s political and economic challenges. Gachagua was accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi and several other opposition leaders who have in recent months been making joint appearances across the country.

This was not the first time Gachagua and other opposition-leaning leaders have visited Ukambani. The county has become a frequent stop for joint rallies, church services and community meetings, which they describe as efforts to strengthen ties with residents and build a wider national movement.