Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has appealed for acceptance from Kenyans outside the Kikuyu community after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared him an “outcast” amid rising political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.

Kuria, who served as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and previously held the Gatundu South parliamentary seat, said Gachagua’s declaration meant he could no longer participate in key social, religious and cultural activities within the Kikuyu community.

In a post shared on X on Sunday, July 19, Kuria said he had been rejected by his own community and asked other communities to welcome him.

“Dear Kenyans. Our King has declared me an outcast from among the Kikuyu community. That means I cannot attend any Church service there. Neither can I go to a wedding nor a funeral. Not a traditional ceremony nor a business meeting within the Kikuyu community,” Kuria wrote.

He added:

“When I come to your community outside Kikuyu land I beg you accept me. Sina pa kuenda. God will bless you.”

Kuria’s remarks came after Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), accused him of contributing to problems facing the Mt Kenya region and urged residents to distance themselves from him.

Gachagua has repeatedly criticised Kuria over his political association with President William Ruto’s administration, accusing him of weakening Mt Kenya’s political unity.

Speaking during a church service, Gachagua claimed Kuria had played a role in actions that harmed residents of the region.

“I am asking the community to view Moses Kuria as an outcast in the community. He has caused pain and suffering to the community,” Gachagua said.

The former deputy president also accused Kuria of being part of President Ruto’s political strategy in the region.

“He is President William Ruto’s advisor on how to persecute the mountain. He has organised goons to destroy businesses belonging to the mountain people. He has made goonism a culture in the mountain,” Gachagua claimed.

Growing political rivalry in Mt Kenya

The exchange between Kuria and Gachagua reflects the wider political competition in Mt Kenya, a region considered one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs.

The region has become a key battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election, with different political leaders seeking to control its support.

Gachagua has been pushing for political unity in Mt Kenya, arguing that the region gains more influence when it speaks with one voice.

He has also criticised smaller political parties linked to leaders such as Kuria, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, describing them as vehicles that could divide the region’s votes.

During an earlier political engagement, Gachagua referred to parties associated with the leaders as “wheelbarrows”, arguing that smaller formations could weaken Mt Kenya’s bargaining power.

“Let’s not be divided. We must remain as one. Our votes are only useful to this region when it is in one basket and once we have made a decision we never go back,” Gachagua said.

Kuria and Gachagua’s previous clashes

The latest disagreement is not the first time the two leaders have clashed publicly.

In December 2025, Kuria responded after Gachagua accused his Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party of helping divide opposition votes during the Mbeere North by-election.

Gachagua claimed Kuria’s party weakened the chances of the opposition candidate by fielding its own candidate in the race.

He claimed that Kuria was working with President Ruto’s allies to split votes in Mt Kenya.

Kuria rejected the accusation and challenged Gachagua to address the matter through legal channels.

“My brother Rigathi Gachagua. Make up your mind. Is it me who took your votes, or were your votes stolen?” Kuria said.

The former CS also warned against attempts to create political dominance by one party in the Mt Kenya region.