DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, 7/02/2026. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua
By Newsflash Writer
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged young people and young families in the Mt Kenya region to have at least six children or more, warning that the community is facing the threat of extinction due to the resurgence of illicit brews.
Speaking on Saturday, February 7, at Kiganjo in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, during the dowry payment ceremony of businessman and politician Aloise Kinyanjui, Gachagua said the spread of illegal alcohol was undermining the region’s social and economic future.
He claimed that the situation had worsened following his impeachment, accusing the government of allowing rogue traders to operate freely.
‘Multiply for the sake of the community’
Addressing the couple, Gachagua drew laughter and applause when he made a personal appeal tied to his broader message on population growth.
“To Kinyanjui and your wife, Wangari; the only appreciation I would like you to give me because of the many hours I have spent at your ceremony—you know I am a busy man—is to add two more children,” he said amid cheers from the crowd.
He said the request was being made “on behalf of the community,” stressing that Mt Kenya’s survival depended on strong families and a growing population.
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“I am saying this without any fear, our community should multiply. Our community is facing extinction because of the danger of illicit brews. When I was in the office, I had eliminated these brews, but they have returned since I exited,” Gachagua said.
According to the former Deputy President, illegal alcohol has destroyed households, reduced productivity, and robbed the region of its young workforce, posing a long-term demographic and economic risk.
‘Children are a blessing’
Gachagua insisted that fear of poverty should not discourage families from having more children, arguing that hard work and unity had sustained previous generations.
“Our community is on the verge of extinction. However, we shall not accept it. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to ask young men and women who are still making families to add us more children, so that our community can be large. Children are a blessing,” he said.
“My recommendation to the community is each family to have at least six children and more,” he added.
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He reminded residents that earlier generations raised large families despite limited education and resources.
“Even our parents had about ten or 12 children and they were not learned, yet they managed to educate us,” he said.
Gachagua also urged residents not to view themselves as poor, encouraging them to embrace work and self-reliance. “My people, our future lies in our unity and strength. You are not poor; you shall work. Let us add more children. Each home should at least have six children,” he said.
Return ‘Linda Mama’ program
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Gachagua said that if elected Kenya’s sixth President, he would reinstate social welfare programs to support mothers and families.
He pledged to return the ‘Linda Mama’ program to allow women to give birth in public hospitals without paying any fees. He also promised to restore free primary and secondary education, crediting former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta for initiating the programmes.
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“You don’t have any reason not to give birth. Children are a blessing from God,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing concern over the perceived return of illicit brews in parts of Mt Kenya, with local leaders blaming the government for failing to clamp down on traders selling the deadly alcohol.
Kinyanjui, who is a brother to former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, is angling to contest the Juja parliamentary seat on a DCP ticket in the 2027 elections.
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