Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led a charged political tour of Githunguri Constituency, where he addressed residents in a rally organized by parliamentary aspirant Wakili Njenga Mabati.
The meeting, held under the banner of his emerging political outfit DCP, drew a large crowd and featured a mix of grassroots mobilization, sharp political attacks, and calls for renewed voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua, who repeatedly told the crowd he had “come to listen to the ground,” engaged residents in call-and-response chants as he sought to gauge political sentiment in the region.
“Nimekuja kusikiza ground… sasa hapa Githunguri mnasemaje?” he posed, drawing animated reactions from the crowd.
In a fiery address, Gachagua launched scathing criticism against President William Ruto whom he repeatedly referred to as “Kasongo” accusing his administration of economic mismanagement and neglect of public services.
He cited challenges at Kenyatta National Hospital, alleging shortages of essential supplies and poor patient welfare.
“Hospitals have no medicine, no blood storage, and patients are suffering. Yet the focus is on profit-driven ventures,” he claimed.
Gachagua further alleged attempts by powerful interests to commercialize key national institutions, arguing that such moves would disadvantage ordinary Kenyans.
The former deputy president unveiled what he termed “Operation Fagia,” a political campaign aimed at removing leaders he described as disloyal to the region.
“Tukiua nyoka, tunauua pamoja na mayai… tunafagia wasaliti wote,” he declared, urging unity in what he framed as a political cleansing process.
He accused a section of elected leaders in Kiambu County of betrayal, alleging they had been “bought” and no longer represented the interests of the electorate.
Central to the tour was Gachagua’s endorsement of local political figures aligned to his camp. He threw his weight behind Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, praising him for rejecting alleged financial inducements.
“Alikataa pesa… huyo ni mwanaume kamili,” Gachagua said, urging residents to support leaders who resist corruption.
He also endorsed Wakili Njenga Mabati’s bid for the Githunguri parliamentary seat, describing him as a grassroots candidate capable of championing local interests.
Njenga, addressing the rally, pledged to prioritize development, youth empowerment, and improved service delivery if elected.
Gachagua raised concerns about insecurity in parts of the country, particularly Meru, accusing government officials of failing to protect lives and property.
He criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki—whom he referred to as “Suprano”—over what he termed selective security interventions.
“People are being killed and livestock stolen, yet leadership is absent,” he said.
In a direct appeal to young voters, Gachagua urged Gen Z to register as voters, framing participation as key to political change.
“Hiyo ndio njia ya kufukuza uongozi mbaya,” he said, adding that the next election would be decisive.
He dismissed rival political messaging, insisting that his movement had growing support across regions including Ukambani, Western Kenya, Coast, and Rift Valley.
The Githunguri rally marks a significant step in Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate support in the Mt. Kenya region while positioning himself as a central figure in opposition politics.
With chants of “one term” and “DCP” dominating the event, the gathering underscored rising political temperatures as early campaigns for 2027 begin to take shape.
Observers note that the coming months will be critical in determining whether Gachagua’s grassroots strategy translates into a formidable national movement.
