Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Former DP Rigathi Gachagua
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Former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated the urgent need for Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to expand his voter base in the Ukambani region as a strategic move to gain support from the influential Mount Kenya bloc in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in a recent address at Kyanguyu Secondary School in Makueni County, Gachagua pointed out that the existing two million votes from Ukambani would not suffice for Kalonzo's presidential ambitions and called for increased voter registration efforts, particularly targeting the youth demographic. Gachagua urges the residents of Ukambani to set a voter target of between 3.5 to 4 million, reaffirming Mount Kenya’s goal of ramping up its voter base to 10 million.
The former Deputy President promises collaborative support from Mount Kenya once Ukambani meets its voter registration goals. The gathering, which took place during the burial of Agnes Mwikali Muia, served as a platform for discussing political alliances between the Kamba and Mount Kenya communities. Prominent figures from both camps echoed sentiments of unity in preparation for the forthcoming elections, while also voicing criticism towards President William Ruto.
They agreed that Kalonzo continues to be a formidable candidate for the presidency. Gachagua further urged Kalonzo to distance himself from ODM leader Raila Odinga and to forge closer ties with Mount Kenya leaders to enhance economic revitalization and promote integrity in governance. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo conveyed the Kamba community's willingness to support Mount Kenya's political goals, contingent on their backing of Kalonzo.
In a notable moment, Bishop Dorcas Rigathi, Gachagua's wife, joined the chorus of critics against President Ruto, expressing regret for having previously supported his campaign. She acknowledged her role in potentially misleading the public, following comments from former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who cautioned religious leaders against endorsing Ruto again.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has refuted claims regarding the registration of a political party associated with Rigathi Gachagua. In a statement issued Thursday, the ORPP identifies a circulating notice as fraudulent, emphasizing its commitment to transparency by contrasting it with an authentic notice released via MyGov earlier in the week.
This counterfeit announcement falsely stated that the Democratic People's Party (DPP) was registered with Gachagua and notable figures like Cleophas Malala and Gathoni Wamuchomba as founding members. However, ORPP Registrar Ann Nderitu confirms that no political party involving Gachagua was filed, noting ongoing registration processes for three entities: Forum for Economic Development Agenda (FEDA), Kenya United Generation Party (KUG), and the Future Party (TFP).
The dismissal arrives just as Gachagua has indicated a willingness to collaborate with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in pursuit of the presidency, amidst speculation of a new political direction for the Mount Kenya region.