Kimani Ngunjiri: Why I have broken ranks with Gachagua

Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has distanced himself politically from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing ideological differences, and a growing discomfort with what he described as 'tribal political posturing.’

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, Ngunjiri criticised Gachagua’s recent rhetoric, warning that it mirrors the kind of politics that could polarise the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former MP likened the current political environment to the one preceding the 2007 post-election violence, when ethnic divisions erupted following the disputed presidential results.

“I’m one of those people who have been converted. I don’t use abusive language in politics,” said Ngunjiri.

Ngunjiri expressed concern over Gachagua’s increasingly combative style, which has created unnecessary tension.

He recalled the former DP’s impeachment scare, an incident that once moved him to tears, but now believes Gachagua is using that moment to build a political base in Mt Kenya.

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“Today, Gachagua has two things driving him strongly in Mlima; sympathy and tribalism. He has a sympathy vote, comes from Mlima, then incitement came in. We are getting finished as the people of Mlima,” he warned.

Further, he argued that while Gachagua’s latest political messaging resonated in the mountain, it lacked traction with the Kikuyu diaspora who live in metropolitan areas such as Nakuru.

The two leaders have also differed on Gachagua’s planned launch of a Mt Kenya political party which Ngunjiri believes was ill-advised.

“There are some things he says and I disagree with him. When he says there is this party for Mlima, that’s profiling Kikuyus in one basket and we might end up with 41 tribes against one. I wouldn’t like to be in that deal,” he said.

Ngunjiri also questioned Gachagua’s regional focus, challenging him to venture into politically diverse areas such as Nyanza or the Rift Valley.

“I asked him why he is not going to Nyanza or Rift Valley or other areas. In fact, if stones were thrown at him there, it would be better for him politically as it will appear as though a certain region doesn’t want him,” he claimed.

Ngunjiri also faulted long-serving politicians who have positioned themselves as ethnic kingpins, using their communities as bargaining chips in national politics.