From Ol Kalou to Embu: Gachagua Rallies Voters to Guard Ballot Boxes Against Bribery and Goons
Politics Updated: 25 July 2026 21:59 EAT
Photo Courtesy: DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing residents of Karurumo in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County,
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua directly confronted the deployment of security forces against residents in the Mount Kenya region during a fiery address in Embu County. He commended local youths for organizing themselves to chase away state-backed goons and police officers who had reportedly caused casualties and property destruction in Ol Kalou. Rejecting state labels casting regional youths as criminal gangs or "Mungiki," Gachagua asserted that these young men have a legal right to self-defense to protect their families, businesses, churches, and community leadership.
Addressing intimidation tactics from state agents, Gachagua publicly dared political adversaries to arrest him rather than issuing empty threats. He emphasized that he remains unbowed alongside his supporters, stating, "If you are a complete man, come and arrest me—I have no army". Gachagua asserted that the local populace had reached a breaking point after experiencing systemic harassment, police violence, excessive taxation, and economic disruption aimed at Mount Kenya businesses.
Turning his attention to regional elected officials, Gachagua criticized local leaders—referring directly to "Karinda" (Governor Cecily Mbarire)—for neglecting public services in Embu County. He alleged that despite receiving over KES 100 million in county funds monthly over three consecutive months, local public hospitals remain depleted of essential medicines. Furthermore, he accused county officials of misusing public funds and resources—such as water tanks and gas cylinders—to buy political support in external regions like Ol Kalou instead of serving Embu residents.
To remedy governance shortfalls in Embu, Gachagua presented Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji ("Mokonji") as the preferred candidate for county leadership. He urged residents to move past clan-based or tribal voting patterns and instead back a vibrant young leader with a proven record of defending public rights. Gachagua officially called upon supporters across political divides to endorse Mokonji under the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) ticket.
Outlining national alignment, Gachagua announced that his political outfit, the DCP party, is working in close partnership with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Wiper (WIP) structures. He emphasized that combining forces between the Mount Kenya region and Ukambani creates a formidable political block capable of securing victory without being relegated to minority status in Parliament.
Reflecting on recent political developments, Gachagua cited the Ol Kalou political contests as proof that the voter base in Mount Kenya has matured. He highlighted the strategy used by voters in Ol Kalou: voting early and staying behind to guard the ballot boxes against state interference. He assured Embu residents that a similar strategy will safeguard votes across the entire region in upcoming elections.
Highlighting infrastructural disparities, local leaders accompanying Gachagua pointed out that Mbeere South houses major hydroelectric installations, including the Seven Forks dams, which power major cities nationwide, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera. However, local residents in Mbeere South continue to suffer from acute shortages of clean piped water and domestic electricity. Gachagua promised that future regional governance would prioritize immediate water and power connections for host communities.
Gachagua strongly condemned political attempts by the executive to divide Mount Kenya into sub-regions, such as "Mount Kenya East" and "Mount Kenya West". He labeled these efforts as manipulative tactics designed to weaken the region's collective bargaining power. He warned political proxies being used to engineer these divisions that Mount Kenya voters are politically astute and will firmly reject any attempts at balkanization.
Elaborating on unity, Gachagua described the traditional political alliance of Mount Kenya as a "three-legged pot" comprising the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities. He announced that this political framework has now expanded into a "four-legged pot" by permanently incorporating the Kamba community of Mount Kenya South (Ukambani). He stated that this reinforced structure forms an indestructible political force that cannot be broken by executive schemes.
A key theme emphasized during the rally by local youth representatives was resistance to monetary voter bribery. Speakers warned residents that accepting KES 100, KES 500, or KES 1,000 handouts from state operatives during campaign periods would only prolong poverty and underdevelopment. Voters were urged to reject monetary bribes and focus on voting for leaders committed to long-term economic development.
Addressing community concerns, speakers highlighted severe gaps in youth funding, sports infrastructure, and bursary disbursements across Embu County. Young people in the region face acute economic stress due to lack of jobs and unfulfilled government promises regarding financial support. Gachagua reiterated that empowering young people through actionable economic programs remains the core mandate of his movement.
The rally featured active participation from various grassroots representatives, including Women Representative aspirants, Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and parliamentary hopefuls from Mbeere South and Manyatta constituencies. Local leaders pledged to coordinate door-to-door civic education campaigns to inform voters on ballot protection strategies and community rights ahead of future electoral contests.
Gachagua warned local politicians acting as state proxies—specifically referencing leaders used to divide Embu and Meru communities—that their political careers in Mount Kenya are drawing to a close. He stated that politicians who align with executive interests against their own communities will face overwhelming rejection at the ballot box.
Highlighting economic issues, Gachagua defended local traders, small business owners, and agricultural producers in Embu and the broader region. He criticized high tax regimes and administrative harassment targeting agricultural livelihoods, including produce like Muguka. He asserted that the DCP platform is dedicated to protecting small businesses and agricultural earnings from state interference.
Gachagua formally introduced the DCP party as the primary political vehicle for Mount Kenya and allied regions. He urged supporters to register as members, structure local branches, and rally behind DCP candidates for all elective positions—ranging from MCAs to parliamentary seats and governorships.
Critiquing national governance, Gachagua asserted that the current administration has failed to fulfill its original "Bottom-Up" economic promises. He argued that instead of putting money into ordinary citizens' pockets, the regime has increased the cost of living, raised taxation, and weaponized security machinery against peaceful citizens.
Emphasizing peace, Gachagua assured residents of all ethnic backgrounds living in Embu and surrounding areas that the DCP movement promotes peaceful coexistence. He noted that Kikuyu, Embu, Meru, Kamba, and other communities have lived peacefully together for decades and warned that state-sponsored divisions would not break their inter-community bonds.
Concluding his address, Gachagua outlined an extensive schedule of political tours across Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, and wider Mount Kenya counties. He expressed confidence that a united Mount Kenya, anchored by a disciplined political party and strong cross-regional partnerships, will determine Kenya's democratic direction in 2027.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD