Gachagua Warns British Military Base Risks Relocating to Tanzania Amid Corruption Claims
Politics Updated: 26 July 2026 15:36 EAT
Photo Courtesy: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing the church at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed his deep gratitude and joy upon returning to his maternal roots in Meru County during a Sunday service at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Imenti Central Constituency.
Addressing the clergy and worshipers, Gachagua warmly acknowledged his connections to the area, fondly reminding the congregation that his mother hailed from Kheri in Meru, which makes him feel right at home whenever he visits the region.
He extended appreciation to local church leaders and worshipers for coming together for the service and participating in a fundraising effort aimed at completing the residence of the local Catholic priests.
Reflecting on his previous support for local infrastructure, Gachagua recalled directing former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi in 2023 to oversee the construction work, expressing satisfaction with the remarkable progress made on the priests' residence.
Highlighting the modest livelihood of his family, he stated that their contributions came from honest earnings derived from selling milk rather than corrupt practices, emphasizing the importance of supporting the church with clean hands.
Addressing his personal ties to Meru, he shared that following his father's passing and his sisters' marriages, he sought to reconnect with his maternal uncles and aunts, prompting him to purchase land in the area to build a home.
Gachagua revisited his Senate impeachment proceedings, asserting that one of the primary accusations brought against him involved purchasing land in Meru near his maternal homeland, which critics had alleged was an offense.
He dismissed the accusations surrounding his land acquisition, reaffirming his desire to have a personal home in Meru so he could reside comfortably among the local community rather than staying in hotels.
Shifting his address to critical national issues, Gachagua raised severe concerns over widespread corruption, claiming that graft levels in Kenya have reached unprecedented heights under the current administration.
He made grave allegations regarding foreign military relations, asserting that British troops stationed at the BATUK facility in Nanyuki face extortion demands from state officials, threatening critical counter-terrorism joint training partnerships.
Gachagua warned that such alleged corruption risks alienating international allies and damaging local economies, pointing out that the British military presence provides significant financial benefits through procurement, transport, and employment for over 500 local workers.
He further claimed that failure to resolve the demands could lead to British forces relocating their operational base to neighboring Tanzania, which would devastate Nanyuki's commercial sector and hurt local business owners.
Issuing a stern rebuke to state security agencies, Gachagua expressed concern over growing insecurity, criticizing public officials for failing to manage armed groups and alleging that criminal elements operating with impunity pose a major threat to stability.
He raised alarms over the safety of citizens, tourists, and international investors, alleging that illegal weapons and fake documentations are fueling regional violence and instability across borders.
Turning his focus to political developments, Gachagua addressed the political climate in the Mount Kenya region, touching upon recent local elections and municipal political shifts across neighboring constituencies.
He criticized senior government officials and politicians for attempting to create political rifts within the region, insisting that the unity among the communities of Mount Kenya remains unshakable.
Gachagua reasserted that the cultural and historical bond uniting the Mount Kenya people cannot be divided by external political pressures or state-sponsored political maneuvers.
He accused political adversaries of using deceptive tactics and government machinery to undermine leaders from the region, warning them against taking the voters of Mount Kenya for granted.
Looking ahead to future electoral contests, Gachagua called on the electorate to remain vigilant, active, and united when exercising their democratic right at the ballot box.
He urged local communities to focus on economic restoration, demanding the government deliver on its promises regarding key agricultural sectors including tea, coffee, and dairy farming.
Concluding his address, Gachagua called for spiritual prayers and solidarity from the church, reiterating his commitment to protecting the interests, dignity, and political voice of the Mount Kenya populace.
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