Kiambaa MP Accuses Former DP of Belittling Regional Leaders

Kiambaa Member of Parliament John Njuguna, popularly known as Kawanjiku, has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for remarks questioning the leadership standards of elected officials from the Mt Kenya region.

The disagreement follows Gachagua’s comments at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Thika, where he expressed concern over what he described as a decline in the region’s political influence compared to Nyanza. He cited figures such as “Kawanjikus and Wamakekis” as examples of weak leadership and commended the late Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for their enduring political organisation. 

Gachagua urged professionals from the GEMA community to take a more active role in politics, arguing that their limited involvement had weakened regional leadership. In a firm response on Monday evening, Kawanjiku accused Gachagua of using intimidation and political coercion to control leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

Speaking at Parliament Buildings, the MP said he would not be pressured into political submission, insisting that his mandate came directly from the electorate.

“I’m not going to sit down and wait to be intimidated or coerced in any way to follow him,” Kawanjiku said, claiming that Gachagua had warned him of consequences for failing to align politically. 

He also recalled a 2023 incident in which he was removed from Gachagua’s office after hosting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro for a fundraiser, describing the episode as evidence of the former deputy president’s demand for total loyalty. Kawanjiku further questioned Gachagua’s record as Mathira MP, challenging his authority to comment on leadership quality. 

“When you talk about quality of leadership, what standard have you set yourself?” he asked.

Kawanjiku reiterated his loyalty to President William Ruto and the national development agenda, emphasising that his political future rests with voters, not individuals.

“The people of Kiambaa elected me knowingly, not because we are handsome but to deliver,” he said. “My destiny is not in your hands. If you feel you have a better candidate, bring them. The people will decide.”