Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Newsflash
By Wanderi Kamau
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday failed to announce the name of the much-awaited Mt Kenya’s new political party.
In an interview with TV and radio stations broadcasting in Mt Kenya region, Gachagua, however, said that the new party is ready and will be formally launched in May 2025.
“Our brand-new vehicle is ready. Everything is intact. However, I shall not name the party today to avoid state disruptions and interferences. We shall formally unveil it in May in a big ceremony,” said Gachagua.
Earlier, there were reports that the former DP would have announced Democratic Party (DP) as his new political vehicle. The party is led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. It was started by the late president Mwai Kibaki and former minister Njenga Karume.
Outlining what he called an “interim report” from his discussions with different delegations that have been visiting his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Gachagua said that Mt Kenya region has decided in unison to part ways with President William Ruto.
“One of the decisions my people have made is to fully disengage with President Ruto. He deceived them. That’s why they are angry with his regime,” said Gachagua.
Two, he said that the region has decided to leave Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Three, Gachagua said that the region has decided that it will never go to an election without its own political party.
“One of the reasons why we are in the current political mess is due to the lack of a political party. From my discussions with our people, never again shall we go to an election without our own homegrown party,” he said.
Gachagua expressed confidence that with his new party, he will get at least 100 MPs, 17 Senators and over 700 MCAs in the 2027 election.
“This is a serious party. I am overwhelmed by the number of people willing to join us,” said Gachagua.
The former DP also said that the talks centred on the quality of leaders who will be elected in the region in the next elections.
He said that the party will put emphasis on quality leadership.
“We shall not be a party that will give room to traitors and selfish politicians like we are witnessing now,” he added.
Sixth, the former DP said that they have resolved that anyone who ‘betrayed’ the community will not be re-elected.
Gachagua seemed to target MPs who supported his impeachment.
Since his impeachment, most MPs from the region who voted for his impeachment have been having a difficult time going to their constituencies.
Gachagua added that besides failing to be re-elected, they will be clearly marked for the remaining duration of their tenures.
“They will be clearly marked because they have proved to be outright traitors of our people,” he said.
