馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Rigathi Gachagua announces plans for overseas diaspora engagements and unveils Kiambu gubernatorial aspirant
via Tuko3 min read
Democracy for Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans for overseas travel to engage with the diaspora in preparation for the 2027 General Election. Speaking at the DCP Party headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, on Monday, April 2020, Gachagua also unveiled John Mwaura as the DCP aspirant for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat. He congratulated Mwaura, emphasizing the party's philosophy of listening to the people of Kenya and assuring aspirants of free and fair party primaries. The party also welcomed lawyer Mwenda Njagi from the Safina Party. Gachagua stated he would embark on a tour of various regions, including Ukambani, the coastal region, Mt. Kenya, Loitoktok, and Kajiado, before traveling to London to "arrange a few things." He also criticized Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and vowed to hold accountable those he referred to as "betrayers" in the Mt. Kenya region, assuring his supporters of making Ruto a one-term president alongside these individuals.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
A group of Kakamega politicians, led by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, affirmed their support for President William Ruto's 2027 reelection bid. Speaking at a rally in Shinyalu constituency, they accused young politicians from the region of attempting to fragment the Luhya vote. Oparanya stated that he would not allow the division of Western votes and criticized some young leaders for engaging in abusive politics. He also dismissed pressure to leave the Orange Democratic Movement ODM, asserting his long-standing membership. Additionally, Oparanya addressed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, downplaying the significance of a recent by-election win and predicting Gachagua's defeat in 2027. Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and other leaders from Kakamega county also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding young politicians in the region to oppose the current government. They emphasized the Luhya community's unity and support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging the president to focus on development projects in the Western region.
Dennis Itumbi, the head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, reported evacuating 20 United Democratic Alliance UDA Party mobilisers from Rurii, Ol Kalou. He stated that the mobilisers reported threats and harassment, leading them to seek safety at a police station and later in hotel accommodation arranged by Itumbi. Itumbi expressed concern over what he termed a "troubling new brand of politics" in Mt Kenya, emphasizing that democracy relies on persuasion, not intimidation. He urged swift police action against those instigating violence and threats, and called for political actors to embrace opponents after election outcomes. These remarks follow heightened political tensions in Ol Kalou, which have included post-by-election violence and two fatalities.
Former Trade Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria has appealed to communities outside Kikuyu land for acceptance after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua declared him an outcast from the Kikuyu community. Gachagua, leading the Democracy for Citizens Party DCP, accused Kuria of fueling unrest in Mt. Kenya and inciting violence, particularly following the chaotic Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua stated that Kuria has caused pain and suffering, and has made "goonism a culture" in the region, advising President William Ruto on how to "persecute the mountain." Kuria's plea highlighted that he can no longer attend church services, weddings, funerals, traditional ceremonies, or business meetings within the Kikuyu community. This development underscores deepening political rifts in Mt. Kenya, with leaders allied to Gachagua accusing UDA lawmakers of planning unrest during the by-election.