Kiambaa MP John Njuguna, popularly known as Kawanjiku, has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for referring to him and other leaders from the Mt Kenya region as “inferior” politicians.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Monday evening, Kawanjiku accused Gachagua of using intimidation tactics to build his political influence in the region. He stated that he would not succumb to blackmail or threats aimed at forcing allegiance to the former DP.
“I’m not going to sit down and wait to be intimidated or coerced in any way to follow him,” Kawanjiku told reporters, revealing that Gachagua had warned him of “consequences” for political disloyalty.
The Kiambaa MP further alleged that Gachagua has been running a sustained campaign to undermine leaders who choose to remain independent. He recalled an incident in 2023 when he was reportedly kicked out of Gachagua’s office after hosting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro for a fundraising event in Kiambaa.
“He made it his business and chased me away from his office. Several leaders witnessed that episode,” Kawanjiku said.
In a sharp rebuttal, the UDA legislator questioned Gachagua’s own record as Mathira MP, claiming he failed to make a notable legislative impact during his tenure in Parliament.
“When you talk about quality of leadership, what standard have you set yourself? You never raised any statement, you never asked any question, you never contributed to any bill,” he remarked.
Gachagua, speaking earlier at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Thika, had lamented that Mt Kenya voters tend to elect “weak” leaders compared to regions like Nyanza, which he said produces more “intellectual” politicians.
Kawanjiku’s remarks highlight the growing rift within Mt Kenya’s political circles, as leaders continue to jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
