Former Thika Town MP Patrick “Jungle” Wainaina addresses locals during a DCP meeting organised by the party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, Kiambu. Photo/Wainaina Jungle/Facebook
By Lawrence Ongaro
Former Thika Town MP Patrick “Jungle” Wainaina took centre stage during a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) rally in Kiambu County, on Sunday, August 16, where he defended his record in the constituency and received a warm reception from his supporters.
Wainaina, who is seeking to reclaim the Thika parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, addressed residents during the rally led by DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He highlighted several development projects he said he initiated during his tenure as MP, including the rehabilitation of local roads and the construction of a major bridge linking Ngoliba and Mavoloni.
“I rehabilitated about 60 kilometres of local roads, including the one in Kiganjo. I also pushed for the construction of the major bridge linking Ngoliba and Mavoloni, which cost Sh25 million. At the time, I also facilitated the supply of water from the Dimago Water Project to the Magogoni area of Thika East,” Wainaina said.
His remarks were met with cheers from his supporters, signalling continued backing for his political comeback bid.
Gachagua rallies Mt Kenya behind DCP
Gachagua, who led other DCP leaders during the gathering before concluding the rally in the Kiganjo and Kiang’ombe areas of Thika, said his party would not allow the Mt Kenya region to be divided.
“We as the Mt Kenya community will not accept to be separated in any way. We are also telling President William Ruto’s Government to leave retired President Uhuru Kenyatta alone,” Gachagua said.
He accused Mt Kenya leaders serving in the Government of betraying the community and warned that they would not be re-elected in the 2027 elections.
“We in Mt Kenya will not allow ourselves to be divided by anyone. We will ensure that we vote in one direction through Operation Fagia,” he said.
Gachagua also said the DCP would promote a new generation of leaders, naming Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa among those he considered part of the region’s future leadership.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said Gachagua had played a major role in mobilising the Mt Kenya community to support President Ruto during the 2022 General Election.
“This time, we in Mt Kenya will vote in one direction without being divided,” Methu said.
Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau criticised the Government over the performance of the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming that residents were experiencing difficulties accessing healthcare services.
Read more: Kagombe to Gachagua: ‘Please receive me as a prodigal son’
He also praised Ol Kalou residents for what he described as a courageous and wise vote despite alleged attempts to influence voters through gifts.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said Government promises had largely not been fulfilled, arguing that residents had not benefited from them.
Mukurweini MP John Kagucia accused the Government of undermining democracy and alleged that leaders and journalists continued to face intimidation because of their positions.
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara also called on the Government to stop targeting retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“If Uhuru owes anyone a debt, we are ready to pay it on his behalf,” Kihara said.
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