Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks that he would relocate to the United States if President William Ruto secures another term, accusing him of promoting hatred and political isolation in the Mount Kenya region.
Speaking in Kiambaa on Monday, November 2, Ichung’wah questioned the implications of Gachagua’s remarks for ordinary residents who do not have the financial means to relocate abroad.
The National Assembly Majority Leader argued that Mount Kenya could not afford to isolate itself from other Kenyan communities, warning that such an approach would undermine the region’s political interests.
Ichung’wah Questions Gachagua’s US Relocation Threat
Ichung’wah said Gachagua was encouraging divisive politics by suggesting that the Mount Kenya region should distance itself from the rest of the country.
He challenged the DCP leader to consider the circumstances of ordinary residents who could not afford to move to the United States.
“He is trying to sell us hatred. I have heard others saying that if Ruto returns to office, he will relocate to America. You have a house there, but what of the Kiambu people who don’t? Where will they go?” Ichung’wah said.
He maintained that Kenyans from the region needed to build relationships with other communities rather than embrace political isolation.
Ichung’wah Challenges Gachagua’s Mount Kenya Vote Numbers
The Kikuyu MP also questioned the assumption that all registered voters in the Mount Kenya region would automatically support a candidate from the Kikuyu community.
Referring to Kiambu County, Ichung’wah claimed that approximately 400,000 of its 1.3 million registered voters came from communities outside the Kikuyu and wider Mount Kenya-speaking groups.
His remarks challenged Gachagua’s reliance on the region’s estimated seven million registered voters as a political bargaining tool.
Ichung’wah’s argument was that electoral support could not be guaranteed solely on the basis of ethnicity or regional identity.
Makau Mutua Tells Gachagua to Leave for US
Ichung’wah was not the only political figure to respond to Gachagua’s remarks.
Professor Makau Mutua, who heads the Panel on Compensation of Human Rights Violations and Protest Victims, challenged the former deputy president to act on his threat to relocate to the United States.
Mutua expressed confidence that Ruto would retain the presidency, suggesting that Gachagua should leave sooner rather than later.
“I welcome Wamunyoro to flee to the US now because the die is cast for Tutam! He should save himself the trouble,” Mutua said.
Matiang’i Warns Gachagua Over Opposition Unity
Meanwhile, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i criticised Gachagua over remarks suggesting that he, Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka could collectively mobilise enough votes to remove Ruto from power.
Matiang’i warned that such statements risked undermining efforts to bring opposition leaders together.
“With tremendous respect to the leader because he is a leader of a party, that arrogance and that particular pride is precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to unite,” Matiang’i said.
His remarks pointed to growing disagreements among opposition figures over leadership, influence and the strategy for challenging Ruto.
Justin Muturi Accuses Gachagua of Political Bullying
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi also weighed in, accusing the former deputy president of political bullying and actions that could weaken opposition unity.
Muturi argued that winning the presidency required support beyond a single ethnic community, emphasising the need for national alliances.
“Gachagua must understand one fundamental truth: No Kenyan President has ever been made by one community alone. The presidency is won through national consensus, strategic alliances and the ability to unite Kenyans across ethnic and regional boundaries,” Muturi wrote.
The latest exchanges expose disagreements among opposition leaders over political strategy and the role of regional voting blocs as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
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