DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has demanded that the Linda Mwananchi movement seek his approval before organizing any further political events in the Mt Kenya region.
The directive comes after the group’s successful rally in Thika last weekend, which reportedly unsettled the former Deputy President and his allies.
According to sources within the opposition, Gachagua was angered by the group’s declaration that it would shape the political direction of Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The DCP leader, who has been positioning his party as the sole political vehicle for the region, is said to be keen on consolidating Mt Kenya’s support base under his leadership.
Gachagua has repeatedly urged voters from the region to rally behind the DCP and avoid supporting leaders or parties that do not align with his political agenda.
His latest move is seen as an attempt to assert dominance and control over the region’s political narrative.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata who attended the Thika rally weighed in on the matter, advising Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, one of the key figures in the Linda Mwananchi movement, to seek Gachagua’s support if he hopes to gain traction in Mt Kenya.
“Sifuna has the potential to grow into a formidable national leader but must appreciate the realities of regional politics,” Kang’ata said.
“While he enjoys popularity in some quarters and has demonstrated strong leadership qualities, he cannot ignore influential political figures and opinion leaders who command substantial support in different parts of the country.”
“Sifuna cannot go far without consulting regional elders. Like where I come from, he needs to talk to Wamunyoro because without Wamunyoro’s blessings, he cannot go beyond him,” he added.
Gachagua’s insistence on regional loyalty has drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents accusing him of promoting divisive politics.
This latest confrontation with the Linda Mwananchi group could further fracture the opposition and diminish hopes of a united front ahead of the next election.
