Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has publicly cut ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of attempting to control the political direction of the Mt Kenya region.
Wambugu claimed that the impeached DP is pushing for one-party dominance and sidelining diverse political voices, which he views as a regression to a dictatorial era.
Speaking on Kogi’s Corner TV on Tuesday night, Wambugu criticised Gachagua for trying to impose a political monopoly in the region by dictating party alignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“In ODM strongholds, turnout averages 66 per cent due to lack of competition. In Mt Kenya, we average 95 per cent because of multiparty competition,” warning that such efforts threaten political inclusivity and democracy in Central Kenya.
Wambugu, who was elected in 2017 under the Jubilee Party, said he supports President William Ruto’s government but cannot back attempts to dictate political loyalty in Mt Kenya. He argued that the region has matured politically and deserves better freedom to choose its own leaders without coercion.
He also dismissed Gachagua’s ongoing campaign to consolidate Mt Kenya under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), calling it a misguided attempt to replay the failed 2022 strategies.
“Some of us lost seats in 2022 because we were not politically correct-we were not in the popular wave. It is a mistake we are gradually seeking to undo, but unfortunately, Gachagua wants to take us back there,” Wambugu said.
According to Wambugu, Ruto only secured 45 per cent of the vote in Nyeri Town in 2022 despite UDA’s dominance — a sign, he said, that Mt Kenya voters resist political bullying.
Wambugu claimed Gachagua is using his position to silence dissent and undermine leaders who support President Ruto but are not loyal to UDA. He cautioned that imposing a single-party agenda on the region would isolate Mt Kenya from national politics.
“Even if a single party benefits me, it wouldn’t be fair to others. As a God-fearing person, I stand for justice and fairness. Let multiparty democracy thrive,” he said.
The former MP criticised Gachagua’s threats against leaders who deviate from the UDA line, likening them to tactics used to discredit former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“It is wrong to use past support for Uhuru as a reason to attack current leaders,” he said, urging the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua to focus on development rather than factional battles.
While reaffirming his support for President Ruto’s administration, Wambugu insisted Mt Kenya must be allowed to speak freely and engage with different political parties. He also announced plans to contest the Nyeri Town seat in 2027, rejecting claims that he must align with Gachagua to win.
“We don’t want another 2022 situation where strong candidates were swept out by party waves. Let the people decide.”
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