Laikipia East MP and the Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has come out strongly against remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who allegedly labelled him and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah as “enemies of the community.”
Speaking during a town hall meeting in the U.S. over the weekend, Gachagua urged the Mt. Kenya community to “punish” the two leaders at the ballot in 2027.
He accused them of betraying regional interests and siding with President William Ruto’s administration despite growing discontent in the region.
“They have abandoned the people. They must be held accountable and should not be forgiven come the next election,” Gachagua reportedly said.
In a sharp rebuttal on Monday, Kiunjuri, in a statement, described Gachagua’s comments as reckless and dangerous, warning that such rhetoric could divide the community at a time when unity is needed most.
“I take great exception to these defamatory and inciteful remarks,” Kiunjuri said during a press briefing in Nanyuki. This is not leadership. It’s intimidation disguised as politics. We must reject the culture of silencing those who offer alternative views.”
Kiunjuri further accused Gachagua of vendetta-driven politics, claiming that the former DP has lost sight of the region’s real needs and is instead pushing a personal agenda.
“Gachagua has become a man on a revenge mission. He is not offering any solutions. He is attacking others to hide his failures,” Kiunjuri said, calling on the Mt. Kenya electorate to rise above divisive politics.
The MP noted that he has always championed economic empowerment and fair development for Mt. Kenya and vowed not to be intimidated into silence.
Meanwhile, Kimani Ichung’wah had also responded to Gachagua’s remarks, accusing him of running a campaign of hate and lies to shift focus from his political troubles and those of his close allies.
“His bitterness and obsession with President Ruto and me have now become toxic; he is drowning in his deceit and is desperate to drag everyone else down with him,” he said.
Ichung’wah added that Gachagua’s failures are self-inflicted.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday had also warned the Mount Kenya electorate against Gachagua, accusing him of dividing the community.
by AMOS NJAU
