More than 1,000 residents of Mavoko took to the streets of Athi River on Monday to protest remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of meddling in Machakos County politics.
The demonstrators, waving placards and chanting slogans, expressed outrage over Gachagua’s comments made during an opposition rally the previous Friday at Makadara shopping centre. Now the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua had urged residents to reconsider re-electing Mavoko MP Patrick Makau in 2027, questioning the MP’s political allegiance to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Tunaua nyoka pamoja na mayai. Mbona watu wengine wanafuata Kalonzo na yule mbunge hafuati Kalonzo Musyoka?” Gachagua said, suggesting that Makau was out of step with his political base.
The remarks sparked fury among local residents, who viewed them as an attack on their right to choose leaders without external influence. “As Mavoko residents, we are angered by Gachagua’s sentiments,” said Robert Maina, a longtime local. “We respect him. Let him also respect our leaders, including Makau and President William Ruto.”
Another protester, Samuel Okinyi, emphasized the importance of autonomy in leadership choices. “Coming from Mt. Kenya to tell us who to elect isn’t the right approach. Leadership should be determined by the people,” he said.
Residents also rallied behind MP Makau, defending his leadership and contributions to the constituency. “Makau has done a lot for us. We won’t sit back and watch as he’s unfairly criticised,” said Florence Ambaisi. Agnes Kamanthe added, “We’ve elected him three times. That shows the confidence people have in him.”
Makau himself termed Gachagua’s remarks as unfortunate and divisive. “I don’t see how that kind of approach builds leadership, especially when many Kenyans are facing economic difficulties,” he said.
Makau, who has announced his bid for the Machakos gubernatorial seat in 2027, urged political leaders to foster unity and mutual respect, stressing that decisions about leadership must rest with the people.
