By Charles Kinyua
Residents of second Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s home county, Nyeri are highly upbeat as they await the unveiling of his party tomorrow.
The residents who voted for the Kenya Kwanza government almost to a man with the hope that they would reap commensurately have been downcast since the impeachment of their son late last year have been waiting for an opportune time to hit back at the ruling class.
Gachagua has pledged to join hands with other opposition leaders led by former Vice President and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to oust the William Ruto regime in the 2027 General Elections.
Other leaders in the budding coalition include Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i and George Natembea and have held several meetings, the latest at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro rural home a fortnight ago.
Countless aspirants for various seats have declared their interest in capturing the yet to be unveiled party’s ticket.
Earlier in the week, a resident who sought anonymity donated a four wheel vehicle for mobilisation in the county that had six constituencies and thirty wards.
The vehicle was received by Wanyaga Gathaka who is the former chairman of Tana Water Works Development Agency, a position he was ejected after his benefactor-Gachagua was impeached.
Speaking to Mt Kenya Times in Nyeri town, Gathaka vowed to spare no resources and energy in ensuring that the party becomes an instant success in the county.
“When UDA was launched, l took upon myself to popularised it in Nyeri Town constituency and registered close to 20,000 members single handedly. This time I will ensure all registered voters in the county become members of the party and whitewash any opposition,” declared the former Nyeri Municipality Mayor.
Tetu constituency grassroots mobiliser Elijah Karonji Murimi urged the former DP to allow all aspirants to square it out when time for nominations come.
“Many political parties lose taste when their top leaders hand nomination certificates to prefered candidates but Riggy G being the truthful man he professes to be is likely to avoid that pitfall,” noted Murimi who is eying the Tetu Parliamentary seat.
During the Wamunyoro meeting attended by over 4,000 residents and scores of leaders from accross the country on May 4, it was resolved that the leaders shall remain united to the end as any split would give incumbent William Ruto a smooth ride to state house for a second term.
Residents were particularly amused by Matiangi’s statement to the effect that he would be willing to sacrifice his ambitions if he was not picked as the candidate and would support whoever would be agreed upon.
His sentiment was echoed by all the other leaders present, all vowing to remain united to the end.
Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga has remained as one of the most loyal supporters and defender of the former second in command.
Among elected leaders who have not deserted Gachagua include Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, his Tetu colleague Geoffrey Wandeto and most of Members of County Assembly led by Majority Leader James Kanyugo.
Mathira legislator Eric Wamumbi and Nyeri senator Wahome Wamatinga who have been leading troops that declared war on the former DP were instrumental in his impeachment with other legislators from the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua has vowed to ensure that all of them are whitewashed at the polls for betraying the community.
John Kamau