Gachagua Issues Ultimatum to 'Rebel' Mt. Kenya Politicians

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to certain Mt. Kenya leaders who he perceives as acting against the region's interests.

Speaking at a wedding gathering on Saturday, Gachagua cautioned that these individuals risk losing their positions in the 2027 elections if they fail to alter their course. The Deputy President asserted that Mt. Kenya residents have placed these leaders on notice and their political fate may soon be sealed. Based on his assessment of the situation, Gachagua believes these leaders are in jeopardy of electoral defeat in 2027 unless they make the necessary adjustments.

Gachagua emphasized the competitive nature of the upcoming election, stating, "As we prepare ahead of the 2027 elections, take note the coming election will be very competitive. You know I am that person who listens to the ground. Some serious decisions have already been made."

These remarks come amid ongoing tensions and power struggles within the Mt. Kenya region, where a faction of MPs has positioned themselves in opposition to the Deputy President. Some of President Ruto's close allies have openly criticized Gachagua, fueling speculation about internal discord within Kenya's Kwanza government. Recently, the President reportedly confronted leaders allegedly involved in an impeachment plot against the Deputy President in an attempt to defuse the situation.

Gachagua has set a December deadline for these 'rebel' leaders to rectify their behaviour. He warns that by year's end, decisions will be made regarding who will retain their positions and who will face removal. The Deputy President stresses that after December, opportunities for change will be limited, urging those who have strayed to realign themselves with the region's interests. Cautioning against misinterpreting the Mt. Kenya region's apparent silence, Gachagua assures that the populace is keenly observing political developments. He affirms the region's inhabitants' intelligence and capacity to determine the most beneficial course of action, emphasizing their resistance to deception.

During the wedding ceremony, Gachagua also pledged swift government action to address the escalating issue of hyena attacks in Juja estates, Kiambu County. The DP assured residents that a specialized team would be deployed to track, capture, and relocate the dangerous animals that have been terrorizing the community. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has identified abandoned quarry sites in Juja as potential hiding places for the hyenas which have claimed several lives in recent attacks, including a 52-year-old woman.

The persistent danger posed by hyenas in Juja has been a longstanding issue with numerous sightings and attacks reported over the years. Local leaders have called for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of the problem, including rehabilitating the abandoned quarries and increasing public awareness about the dangers.