Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, has defended cultural and regional gatherings organized by the Mt Kenya community. He stated that communities across Kenya have an inherent right to gather, celebrate their shared heritage, and deliberate on matters affecting their welfare. Gachagua questioned why critics routinely target Mt. Kenya meetings while ignoring similar assemblies organized by other regional groupings. His remarks were made during the second Ngemi cia Watho forum at Thika Green Stadium in Kiambu County.
The event drew legal professionals and political leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Gachagua argued that Mt Kenya assemblies serve an identical function in fostering regional dialogue, similar to caucuses convened by Western Kenya and pastoralist leaders. He criticized those who accuse the Mt Kenya community of tribalism, saying, “Shame on them! We are who we are, and we have no apologies to make to anybody.” Gachagua emphasized that cultural preservation remains a constitutional right for every Kenyan.
Gachagua took aim at President William Ruto’s administration, declaring that the people of Mt. Kenya would not accept being treated as secondary citizens. He stated that the region intends to rally behind a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. Upon winning the presidency, Gachagua announced that he would host the third edition of Ngemi cia Watho at Sagana State Lodge. He also urged residents to uphold their culture, language, and heritage regardless of their professional or academic standing.
Gachagua turned to the legal fraternity, urging lawyers to actively safeguard democratic institutions, defend human rights, and police the electoral process ahead of 2027. He requested advocates to register as election observers to monitor the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Gachagua challenged the Law Society of Kenya to champion public interest causes aggressively, citing former LSK leaders as role models for vocal legal advocacy.
Gachagua commended lawyers from the region for providing pro bono services to youth arrested during the 2024–2025 Gen Z-led protests. He noted that advocates secured bail reviews and defended demonstrators facing severe charges, including terrorism-related offenses. Addressing human rights concerns, Gachagua condemned the reported abduction of advocate Abshir Abdi in Kilimani on November 1. He demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations locate Abdi and account for his whereabouts immediately.
Gachagua praised lawyers who actively participated in political actions in Ol Kalou, describing their involvement as a model for how voters can hold accountable leaders who breach public trust. He expressed confidence in the caliber of emerging leaders seeking elective seats across Mt Kenya. Drawing comparisons to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Gachagua expressed his goal to build a disciplined political outfit similar to the Orange Democratic Movement.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who shared the platform with Gachagua, acknowledged their past political feuds but noted that current national challenges demanded political collaboration. Sifuna called on opposition figures to focus on broader democratic goals and avoid letting past rivalries undermine collective efforts ahead of the 2027 polls. He also called on legal professionals to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law.
Key points
- Gachagua defends Mt Kenya cultural gatherings, saying they have a right to celebrate their heritage.
- He criticizes tribalism accusations, emphasizing that cultural preservation is a constitutional right.
- Gachagua urges lawyers to safeguard democratic institutions and defend human rights ahead of the 2027 General Election.
