Othaya MP hits back at Gachagua’s remarks, urges issue-based politics
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing party supporters from Othaya on Monday.
By WMW
A fresh political row has erupted in Nyeri County after Othaya Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina responded to remarks by former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing claims about his political journey and calling for civility in political discourse.
The exchange follows a public meeting held by Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence on Monday as part of his ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election, where he hosted delegations from different parts of the country, including representatives from Othaya constituency.
During the meeting, Gachagua criticised the Othaya MP, referring to him as a “sellout” and a “Standard Two dropout,” while questioning his political credentials and leadership.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Wambugu rejected the allegations, describing the remarks as unfortunate and intended to misrepresent his character, political journey and service to the people of Othaya.
“I wish to respond to the unfortunate remarks made by Hon. Rigathi Gachagua during yesterday’s public function in Wamunyoro. I am deeply disappointed by the statements directed at me, which I believe were intended to misrepresent my character, my political journey, and my service to the people of Othaya,” the MP said.
Wambugu defended his political career, saying he had earned his place in leadership through years of dedication and service.
He recalled that he was among the loyal supporters and point persons of the late President Mwai Kibaki in Othaya long before Kibaki’s historic victory in the 2002 General Election, adding that he stood with the former Head of State during difficult political moments and remained committed to advancing his vision for both the country and Othaya Constituency.
The legislator dismissed suggestions that Gachagua played a role in his election, insisting that every candidate sought support independently during the 2022 General Election.
“It is therefore inaccurate for anyone to claim credit for my political journey or suggest that they campaigned for me. In the run-up to the 2022 General Election, every aspirant pursued his or her own political ambitions and sought the support of the electorate. The people of Othaya made their choice freely and democratically,” he said.
Wambugu maintained that he remains the duly elected Member of Parliament for Othaya and will continue serving until the expiry of his constitutional term.
He said his priority remains delivering development projects, representing the interests of constituents and fulfilling the promises he made during the election campaign.
The MP further argued that leadership should be judged by integrity, performance and the tangible impact made in the lives of citizens rather than personal attacks and insults.
“Ultimately, it is the people of Othaya who will judge all leaders based on the work they have done, the projects they have delivered, and the values they uphold,” he said.
He urged political leaders to embrace respectful engagement and focus on issues affecting wananchi instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Othaya with diligence, humility and unwavering dedication,” he said.
The public exchange underscores the growing political rivalry in Nyeri County as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has in recent weeks intensified political consultations from his Wamunyoro residence, where he has hosted delegations from across the country and beyond as part of what he describes as consultations on “the liberation of the country” and the formation of a future administration.
The former Deputy President has also been rallying support for the Democracy for the Citizens Party while criticising leaders he accuses of abandoning the interests of the Mt Kenya region.
The latest war of words between the two leaders is expected to further heighten political temperatures in Othaya, a constituency that has historically held significant political influence as the home turf of the late President Mwai Kibaki. While Gachagua continues to consolidate his political base in the Mt Kenya region, Wambugu has maintained that his mandate comes directly from the people of Othaya and that he remains focused on service delivery rather than political confrontation.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Matiang’i meets Wambugu, top Nyeri Jubilee aspirants
- Freedom fighters’ caucus welcomes Sovereign Wealth Fund law, begins search for chairperson
- Senate committee confirms Tharaka-Nithi headquarters was county-funded
- Nyeri, KICC forge digital trade partnership to expand market access for local businesses
- Safaricom Foundation launches 500-school programme with KSh95 million Kihate project
About the Author
