Ngunjiri Wambugu Slams Rigathi Gachagua Over Push to Unite Mt. Kenya Parties Under One Political Outfit

Former Nyeri Town MP and Jubilee Party founder member Ngunjiri Wambugu has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his reported calls for political parties in the Mt. Kenya region to dissolve and join a single political party, warning that such a move would undermine Kenya's multi-party democracy and constitutional freedoms.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 5, Wambugu argued that attempts to consolidate the region under one political vehicle amount to political intimidation and contradict the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the freedom to choose and belong to a political party of their choice.

His remarks come amid an intensifying battle for political influence in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several leaders positioning themselves to shape the region's political direction.

"No One Can Decide the Future of Another Political Party"

Wambugu maintained that every registered political party is an independent institution protected by the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, insisting that no politician has the authority to order another party to dissolve.

"I have noted with growing concern the continued attempts by Hon. Rigathi Gachagua to pressure political parties in the Mt. Kenya region to dissolve themselves and join his political party. Such pronouncements might make some of his supporters happy but they are inconsistent with both the letter and the spirit of our Constitution and represent a dangerous departure from the democratic values upon which our Republic is founded."

He added:

"No individual, regardless of office or popularity, has the legal, political or moral authority to determine the future of another political party."

According to Wambugu, only the lawful organs of each political party—including members, delegates and elected officials—can decide whether to merge, form coalitions or dissolve.

Wambugu Says Mt. Kenya Does Not Belong to One Political Leader

The Jubilee politician also dismissed suggestions that one leader can exclusively speak for the Mt. Kenya region.

"No one has been appointed to speak on behalf of the Mt. Kenya region. Our people are politically diverse, independent-minded and fully capable of making their own choices."

He argued that portraying one political party as the sole political home for Mt. Kenya voters is misleading and ignores the region's democratic history.

"The attempt to portray one political party as the exclusive owner of all Mt. Kenya voters is deceptive, undemocratic and does not reflect our history as a region."

Cites Nderitu Gachagua's 2013 Election

Wambugu pointed to the 2013 election of the late Nderitu Gachagua as Nyeri Governor, noting that he won on a party different from that of then President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"No one demanded that he dissolve his party or abandon his political identity in order to demonstrate loyalty to the region. His election affirmed an enduring democratic principle of our region; political competition strengthens democracy; political monopoly weakens it."

He further noted that former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta never compelled political parties in the region to merge into their own political formations.

"They understood that leadership is earned through service, persuasion, humility and consensus—not through declarations of political supremacy over independent political formations."

Warns Against Political Monopoly

Wambugu cautioned that democracy thrives when political parties compete freely rather than being forced into one political movement.

"Lasting political partnerships are built on consultation, mutual respect and voluntary cooperation—not coercion, intimidation or demands for political surrender."

He urged Gachagua to abandon what he termed divisive politics and instead engage other leaders through dialogue and mutual respect.

"Hon. Gachagua must desist from divisive pronouncements that undermine political pluralism in our region and instead engage fellow political leaders as equals."

"Mt. Kenya Voters Can Decide for Themselves"

Wambugu also defended the political independence of Mt. Kenya residents, saying they do not need political gatekeepers to determine how they should vote.

"We are an intelligent people; politically mature and fully capable of evaluating competing political ideas for ourselves. We do NOT require political gate-keeping or permission to make political choices."

He added that voters will make their own decisions after assessing every leader, every policy and every candidate.

"We will listen to every leader, consider every policy, evaluate every candidate and make our own decisions freely, independently and without fear or favour."

Calls on All Parties to Campaign in Mt. Kenya

In his concluding remarks, Wambugu encouraged every political party in Kenya to freely campaign across the Mt. Kenya region, insisting that no individual or political outfit owns the region.

"Do not be intimidated by the suggestion that this region belongs to one party or one individual. It belongs to all of us."

He concluded with a direct appeal for democratic competition.

"Let every party come. Let every candidate compete. LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE."

Gachagua Yet to Respond

By the time of publication, Rigathi Gachagua had not publicly responded to Wambugu's statement. Should he issue a response, this article will be updated.

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