The National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has recounted a tense encounter between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi. Speaking in an interview on Spice FM, the Kikuyu MP claimed that the Deputy President caused a scene during a State Lodge meeting by grabbing Itumbi by the collar and demanding to know why he had failed to follow his orders.
According to Ichung’wah, the incident was sparked by Itumbi’s refusal to tweet certain messages as directed by Gachagua. “The DP walked into the meeting and grabbed Itumbi by the collar, threatening him with physical assault, all because he didn’t tweet what he was told to,” Ichung’wah said.
The Majority Leader, who has been openly criticizing Gachagua, did not hold back in his critique of the Deputy President’s behavior, calling him “petty and vindictive.” Ichung’wah argued that Gachagua’s elevation to the office of the Deputy President has revealed troubling aspects of his character, describing his leadership style as one rooted in intimidation and ego.
Gachagua’s “Vindictive Behavior”
Ichung’wah further talked of Gachagua’s allegedly divisive conduct, accusing him of belittling those who refused to align with his political agenda. “Why would you be so petty and vindictive because leaders aren’t kneeling for you or hailing you as the greatest?” he questioned, citing various instances where the Deputy President insulted and humiliated politicians, both privately and publicly.
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The Kikuyu MP claimed that Gachagua had targeted other political figures, including Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku, whom Gachagua allegedly humiliated by boasting about the dowry he paid at Kawanjiku’s wedding. “He belittles people, and I ask, why would you bring up dowry payments or other personal matters just to demean someone?” Ichung’wah remarked.
Ichung’wah also accused the Deputy President of insulting Florence Jematiah, the Baringo County Woman Representative, referring to her in derogatory terms for aligning with individuals Gachagua did not favor. “Florence was insulted simply because she worked with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at the time,” Ichung’wah said.
Growing Rift in Mt Kenya Politics
According to Ichung’wah, many Mt Kenya leaders are distancing themselves from DP Gachagua due to his alleged intimidation tactics. He claimed that the Deputy President is attempting to strong-arm leaders from the region into political submission to consolidate power. “Many of them shudder in fear because of this desperation and attempts to intimidate them,” Ichung’wah stated, accusing Gachagua of using Mt Kenya MPs to bolster his influence and mask his true character. He further alleged that Gachagua aims to blackmail the government and President William Ruto by manipulating the political dynamics in the region.
DP Gachagua’s Warning to “Rebel” Leaders
While Ichung’wah continues to make fiery statements against the Deputy President, Gachagua has been clear in his stance toward “rebel leaders.” The DP has warned that any politician from the Mt. Kenya region who refuses to heed his call will face consequences from voters, signaling a widening rift within the political landscape of Mt Kenya.
For months, Ichung’wah has been vocal about what he describes as Gachagua’s tribal and divisive politics, accusing him of using threats and intimidation to maintain control. The ongoing conflict between the two leaders is further complicating the already tense political environment in the Mt. Kenya region as the country approaches 2027 general elections. DP Gachagua
