Ol Kalou revenge: How Gachagua is targeting politicians who opposed his DCP candidate

In the wake of the Ol Kalou by-election, Mt Kenya region politics have become increasingly tense, with former Deputy President and Democratic Party for Citizens (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua now targeting United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politicians who campaigned against his party's candidate, Sammy Ngotho. The by-election, of significant importance to the political landscape of Mt Kenya, saw the DCP candidate emerge as a strong contender.

Following the contest, Gachagua announced his intention to confront UDA politicians in the home constituencies where they had campaigned against Ngotho. He began his political offensive by targeting Kinangop Constituency, where he confronted area MP Kwenya Thuku for his alleged role in coordinating the UDA's campaign during the Ol Kalou by-election.

The DCP leader urged Kinangop residents to reject Thuku in the upcoming elections, accusing him of being part of the team that organized the UDA's campaign in the by-election, alongside the violence witnessed.

Gachagua's political vendetta then extended to Laikipia East, where he went after area MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, an ongoing political adversary. Kiunjuri and Gachagua have had a long-standing rivalry, particularly since Gachagua's fall from grace with the Kenya Kwanza administration and his subsequent impeachment as deputy president. During his visit to Laikipia East, Gachagua renewed his criticisms of Kiunjuri and targeted other UDA-aligned politicians like Laikipia West MP Sarah Korere and area Woman Representative Jane Kagiri.

The former deputy president then shifted his focus to Kiambaa Constituency, where he held rallies and targeted area MP John Kawanjiku, who was linked politically to the Ol Kalou campaigns. Kawanjiku's vehicles were spotted in the constituency with hooded men on them, accused of firing shots in the air to intimidate voters. Gachagua encouraged residents to reject Kawanjiku and to elect a new MP during the upcoming elections.

Continuing his political campaign, Gachagua moved to Nakuru County, where he targeted Governor Susan Kihika and Nakuru East MP David Gikaria, accusing them of playing a role in the violence surrounding the Ol Kalou contest. He also visited Embu County, where Governor Cecily Mbarire became his latest target, urging residents to reject her and to support his political ally Gitonga Mukunji as the preferred candidate to replace Mbarire.

Gachagua's political offensive has also extended to Murang'a County, where he has attacked government-aligned politicians, including former Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, branding them as traitors to the Mt Kenya community. He has continued to call for residents to reject politicians whom he considers have abandoned the region's interests.

With his political campaign trajectory now set, Gachagua is expected to take his offensive to Kirinyaga County, targeting Governor Anne Waiguru and her deputy, Kirinyaga County programme member Erick Wamumbi and his spouse, Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina. Gachagua's visit to Kirinyaga is slated for Sunday, August 23, followed by a significant political showdown in Kikuyu Constituency, where he is expected to confront National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

Gachagua's latest tour of political retribution against those who opposed him is reportedly guided by advice from elders, who advised him to give no political breathing space to those they consider traitors to their community.