In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denies allegations of bullying MPs, asserting his straightforwardness is misinterpreted.
- He claims dissenting MPs face intimidation from higher powers and emphasizes his support from the electorate in Nyeri.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vehemently denied allegations that he bullies and intimidates Members of Parliament and other elected leaders within the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
In an exclusive interview with Citizen TV’s Sam Gituku at his residence in Karen, Gachagua clarified that his straightforwardness and commitment to truth are often misinterpreted as bullying.
He emphasized that his critics are simply uncomfortable with his approach of listening to grassroots concerns and acting on them.
Shifting the focus to his accusers, Gachagua suggested that their grievances stem from their denial of his factual assertions.
He expressed frustration with the perception that he is a bully, asserting, “I don’t bully anybody; I am just truthful.” He explained that he encourages MPs to engage with the community, but they mischaracterize this as intimidation.
Gachagua further addressed the apparent abandonment by some MPs from his Nyeri home turf, attributing their behavior to intimidation from a “higher power” aimed at displacing him. He remarked, “We have a problem in this country; people do not want to be told the truth. Those MPs are good people, but they face coercion and intimidation.”
Despite the ongoing insults and threats of impeachment directed at him, Gachagua maintained that his focus is on the support he receives from the electorate. He stated, “What matters is that the people of Nyeri are with me. Forty-four MCAs are with me, and the Governor of Nyeri is with me.”
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been particularly vocal against Gachagua, labeling him a bully for his involvement in city affairs.
During a recent UDA Delegates Conference, Sakaja criticized Gachagua, asserting that true bullies are often cowards who fail to respect other leaders.
Similarly, Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa has echoed these sentiments, accusing Gachagua of belittling fellow elected officials.
Ichungwa claimed that many Mt. Kenya MPs have distanced themselves from the Deputy President due to intimidation and threats, suggesting that Gachagua’s desperation to consolidate support reflects his true character.