Gachagua accuses Ruto of targeting Mt Kenya as he leads mourning for slain Ol Kalou youths
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua with some of the leaders during the burial ceremony yesterday. Photos/Courtesy.
By William Muchiri
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua yesterday escalated his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of waging a political war against the Mt Kenya region following the killing of two young men during the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County.
Speaking during the requiem mass for James Muigai and Zachariah Gakinya, who were killed on July 16 in violence that marred the by-election, the former Deputy President claimed the deaths were part of what he described as a sustained campaign of intimidation against residents of the region.
Gachagua said the killings had devastated the people of Ol Kalou, arguing that the victims had lost their lives simply because residents had exercised their democratic right during the by-election.
He maintained that the Mt Kenya region had completely withdrawn its political support for President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that attempts to win back voters through financial inducements would fail.
“The people have made up their minds and no amount of money or intimidation will change their stand,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader alleged that despite the government deploying enormous financial resources during the by-election campaign, voters remained steadfast in rejecting the ruling administration.
He further called on musicians from the Mt Kenya region to compose what he termed liberation songs to mobilise residents ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the music would reflect the people’s desire for political change.
Gachagua also pledged justice for the families of the two slain youths, saying police officers found culpable in the killings and other alleged cases of extrajudicial executions would be held accountable under a future administration.
He accused sections of the National Police Service of being compromised and promised sweeping reforms if the opposition forms the next government.
“We shall clean up the police service and ensure those responsible for these killings face justice,” he said.
In addition, Gachagua announced what he called “Operation Fagia,” a political campaign aimed at removing elected leaders whom he accused of supporting President Ruto’s administration despite what he termed widespread public dissatisfaction in the Mt Kenya region.
He also appealed to Nyandarua Senator John Methu to establish a support fund for the families of the deceased, saying the initiative should guarantee education for the children left behind.
The requiem service drew a large number of political leaders allied to Gachagua, including Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Senator John Methu, newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru and other elected leaders from the region.
After the church service, the leaders proceeded to Nyahururu town in neighbouring Laikipia County, where they addressed residents and reiterated calls for political unity ahead of the next General Election.
The deaths of Muigai and Gakinya occurred during the highly contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which was characterised by isolated incidents of violence and allegations of the use of hired goons. The killings sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, religious groups and human rights organisations, with renewed calls for thorough investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
Police have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, although no conclusive findings have been made public.
The Ol Kalou by-election attracted national attention as it was widely viewed as a political contest testing President Ruto’s influence in the Mt Kenya region against leaders aligned to Gachagua, whose relationship with the President has deteriorated since his impeachment as Deputy President.
The victory by DCP-backed candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru has since emboldened Gachagua’s allies, who argue the outcome reflects changing political dynamics in the region ahead of the 2027 polls.
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