Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for referring to him as part of a group of “weak and inferior” leaders from Mt Kenya.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Monday evening, the outspoken lawmaker accused Gachagua of engaging in politics of intimidation and coercion instead of uniting leaders from the region.
“I will not be bullied or blackmailed into following anyone. My loyalty is to the people of Kiambaa and to President William Ruto’s development agenda,” Kawanjiku said.
His remarks came after Gachagua, while addressing a gathering in Thika, lamented that the Mt Kenya region had elected “weak MPs” compared to Nyanza, which he praised for sending “intellectuals” to Parliament. He specifically mentioned “Kawanjikus and Wamakekis” as examples.
The Kiambaa MP fired back, saying Gachagua lacked the moral authority to lecture others on leadership, claiming he had “no visible record of performance” during his tenure as Mathira MP between 2017 and 2022.
“You never raised a statement, asked a question, or contributed to any bill in Parliament,” Kawanjiku said.
He further alleged that Gachagua had previously threatened and sidelined him for hosting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro in Kiambaa for a funds drive in 2023.
“He chased me out of his office because I invited Ndindi Nyoro. That’s not leadership,” he added.
Kawanjiku defended his election, insisting that Kiambaa voters made a conscious choice based on his work, not his appearance or political loyalty.
“The people of Kiambaa elected me knowingly not because we are handsome, but to deliver,” he said.
The MP told Gachagua to respect voters’ choices, saying only God and the people can determine his political fate.
“If you think you have a better candidate, bring them. The people will decide,” he declared.
Gachagua had earlier told professionals from the Mt Kenya region to take up political roles to “strengthen regional leadership,” while expressing admiration for ODM’s discipline under the late Raila Odinga.
However, Kawanjiku dismissed the remarks as hypocritical, urging the former DP to focus on building unity rather than insulting leaders.
