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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched an onslaught against leaders from his Mt Kenya region who backed his impeachment in Parliament in October.

His first whip landed on leaders from his home county, Nyeri, where he implored residents to support leaders who stood by him and reject those who backed his ouster.

He lauded Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu for their loyalty while urging voters to side-line others he deemed traitorous.

“In Nyeri, we fully support Governor Kahiga, Mukurwe-ini MP Kaguchia, and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu. The rest betrayed us. When the time comes, you will deal with them as you always do. Scout for strong defenders of our community,” the former DP said, adding that the vote-rich region must reorganise itself politically ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The former DP revealed that he was consulting with leaders, including the clergy, to establish the right course for the community.

“Never again will we attend a wedding in someone else’s vehicle,” he added, alluding to plans for the formation of a political outfit.

Gachagua’s impeachment has stirred divisions among lawmakers and residents in Nyeri. Prior to the vote at the National Assembly, MPs Rahab Mukami (Woman Representative), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini) and Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni) had announced to residents that they would oppose the motion.

On the other hand, those who steadily backed the motion included MPs Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town) and Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya).
Senator Wahome Wamatinga endorsed it at the Senate.

Political intimidation
Recently, Maina Mathenge got a cold reception in Nyeri town where he was addressing matatu operators and traders, with persistent heckling from the crowd.

A section of irate residents from Mathira constituency, Gachagua’s home constituency, recently launched an initiative to collect signatures with a view to ousting their MP. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula noted that Tetu MP Wandeto had attempted to withdraw his signature supporting the impeachment but was denied.

“Once you sign a special motion, you cannot withdraw it,” Wetangula clarified.

Gachagua’s comments coincide with accusations of political intimidation against his allies.

On Wednesday, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, alongside other leaders, appeared at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Central Region headquarters in Nyeri over chaos at a funeral in Bibirioni, Limuru.

Senator Thang’wa described the DCI summons as part of a government strategy to silence leaders allied to Gachagua.

“We are victims of the events in Limuru and we feel that this is part of the intimidation from the State. We will not be intimidated or stopped from fighting for our people,” said Thang’wa.

Their lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, accused the DCI of overreach and political witch-hunt.

“The DCI is on a fishing expedition. Anyone who criticises the President becomes a target,” said Mr Njiru.
Both Thang’wa and former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi are expected to appear at DCI headquarters for further questioning.