MP Wamuchomba: Gachagua must broaden his focus beyond the mountain

Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has said that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s leadership style contributed to his political struggles, including losing the support of fellow lawmakers.

She also urged him to shift his political approach and advocate for all Kenyans, not just the Mount Kenya region.

Speaking during an interview at NTV on Monday, Wamuchomba stated that Gachagua’s behaviour while in office made it difficult for many MPs to stand by him.

“For the last two years when he was in power, he didn’t carry himself in a pleasant way that would appeal to most members to support him. He was a bit too abrasive. His language was a bit too off-key. His conduct was sometimes off the radar,” she said.

The UDA MP revealed that when discussions about impeaching Gachagua began, she personally tried to rally support for him, but many MPs refused due to personal grievances.

“I feel this is my take because, you know, I also try to talk to members and tell them, you know, please support us. Don’t impeach Gachagua. And they will say, ‘No, he called me this name, you know, he taught me this way. I went to his reception. He refused to see me, you know. He came to my constituency. He didn’t even greet me, you know,’” she stated.

Wamuchomba added that Gachagua’s actions contributed to his own downfall.

“So he also added some catalysm. He catalyzed the process of impeaching himself,” she said.

Despite her criticism, Wamuchomba acknowledged Gachagua’s strong advocacy for the Mount Kenya region but emphasized that true national leadership requires inclusivity. She urged him to use his influence to champion the interests of other communities as well.

“He doesn’t have to necessarily agree with me, but if it’s a fact, it is a fact. Rigathi needs to realise that he has the mountain with him; he does not have to talk and punch again about the mountain,” she said.

Wamuchomba urged Gachagua to use the same energy he has dedicated to Mount Kenya to advocate for marginalized groups and communities affected by displacement.

“He needs to be seen to be more accommodating to other communities. The same energy he has been using to fight for the mountain, he needs to use to advocate for people who are evicted in other areas and the forgotten communities of this country. If he really is a national leader, we need to see him fighting for other Kenyans,” she stated.

The MP added that broadening his focus would strengthen his advocacy on national issues, including taxation policies and economic challenges affecting all citizens.

Wamuchomba was among Gachagua’s key allies who lost leadership positions in the National Assembly on March 5. She was removed as chairperson of the Constitutional Oversight and Implementation Committee and reassigned to the Members’ Services Committee, a less influential role.

Other allies who faced the axe include Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo. Notably, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was also removed as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. However, Nyoro has remained silent on whether he still supports Gachagua.

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