Regional Pressure Spurs Party Launch Amid Calls for Unity

Ex-CS Cecily Kariuki visits Gachagua at Wamunyoro home
Gachagua mentioned that he had the chance to leverage her extensive experience in governance.

He postponed the unveiling of his political vehicle from the initial date of February 2 due to the need for further consultations.
He stated that he will publicly share his interim report regarding the future direction of the Mt Kenya region on Sunday.

Former CS Cecily Kariuki, accompanied by her husband Kariuki Chege and a friend, visited Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home on February 7, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/X

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued his meetings with leaders from various backgrounds as the unveiling of his political party approaches.

Gachagua postponed the unveiling of his political vehicle from the original date of February 2, citing a need for additional consultations.

He stated that he will reveal his interim report regarding the direction of the Mt Kenya region on Sunday and ask for more time to gather additional opinions.

In accordance with this, Gachagua met with former Cabinet Secretary Cecily Kariuki at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Friday evening.

Kariuki held multiple cabinet positions under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, including in the Health, Water, and Public Service sectors.

“We had a productive discussion on various national issues, and I gained insights from her extensive governance experience,” Gachagua said.

“Sicily, a prominent leader from Nyandarua County, also shared her views on matters important to this great county, which I consider my second home,” he added.

Gachagua noted that during the visit, the former CS presented him with her memoirs ‘Breaking The Illusions,’ accompanied by her husband Kariuki Chege and a few friends.

“The consultations continue,” he remarked.

Former CS Cecily Kariuki presents ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua with her memoirs Breaking The Illusions at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri on February 7, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/X

After his impeachment on October 17, 2024, the former DP retreated to his rural home in Wamunyoro and has been engaging with leaders nationwide to strengthen his support base for a potential return to national politics.

The upcoming unveiling of his political party is viewed as a strategic move to contest against his former boss, President William Ruto, in the 2027 general elections, all while he works to overturn his impeachment in court.

During the launch of the new DAP-Kenya party headquarters on January 27 in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua stated that his new party will transform Kenya’s political landscape and diminish other parties.

He emphasized that the new formation would have a national perspective while maintaining its identity in Mt Kenya.
“The people from the mountain said they were attending a wedding with a hired vehicle; when we reached the river, we were instructed to disembark. Now we are searching for our own vehicle,” he said.
He mentioned being under significant pressure from the region to launch the party, causing him sleepless nights.

“People are anxious and don’t want to see anything associated with yellow. . . we aim to collaborate with others. . . and no one should accuse us of tribalism for solidifying our support; it would be foolish to approach the national stage before securing our foundation,”