Gachagua seeks Murang’a support to protect Mt Kenya political future
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 1, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked Murang’a residents to back him with political “thigari” – defenders – as he seeks to secure the Kikuyu community’s political future.
Speaking at a funeral in Murang’a on Saturday, November, 1, 2025, Gachagua urged locals to give him MCAs, MPs, a senator, a governor and a woman representative from his Democratic Coalition Party (DCP). He said he needs loyal leaders who will protect the community and resist outside pressure.
“I asked with respect, and I want to repeat it here in Murang’a,” he said. “Help me with enough defenders so that our house is not brought down. I have only a few, and I cannot fight alone.”
He said he wants representatives in 2027 who will not sell the community or bow to outsiders.
“Give me 35 MCAs from DCP, seven MPs, a senator, a governor and Mama County,” he said. “Find good defenders who will not betray our community.”
Gachagua compared past political cooperation to attending a wedding without a car, saying that Kikuyu leaders had joined President William Ruto under his UDA party and lacked their own political vehicle.
“We went to the wedding without our own car,” he said.
He warned that President Ruto plans harmful actions targeting the Kikuyu community. “Our community must be aware. We are in big trouble. If you allow him to bring his wheelbarrows into the mountain, we are done,” he said, echoing his earlier statements about Ruto planting proxies to divide votes.
Gachagua has previously cautioned Mbeere North voters against supporting Duncan Mbui, a candidate backed by Moses Kuria and Ruto, claiming that such moves are designed to weaken regional unity.
Gachagua urges community unity
Gchagua claimed he is working to protect the Kikuyu community and urged unity around his leadership.
“I have tried a lot to secure our community, but I will not manage alone,” he said. “I am asking you with respect.”
Gachagua also addressed his recent silence, saying he chose to observe the political scene before speaking. He quoted a Kikuyu proverb that a person may watch others sing not because they do not know how, but to study the situation.
He warned that President William Ruto plans actions that will harm the Kikuyu community and told residents to remain alert.
Gachagua attended the funeral with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, who comes from Murang’a. He said it was important to stand with the families mourning six relatives who died when a matatu plunged into the Kiama River on 26 October.