The political isolation of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has deepened, with his own successor as Mathira MP, Eric Wamumbi, publicly calling him out. In a bold address, Wamumbi urged Gachagua to "tone down the insults" and embrace the politics of tolerance.

The rebuke from his home constituency is a significant blow to Gachagua, who has been trying to rally the Mt Kenya region against the government. Wamumbi, once a close ally, accused the former DP of using abusive language to radicalize the youth and divide the community.

The "DCP" Factor

Gachagua recently launched the Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP), positioning it as the new vehicle for the region. However, local leaders like Wamumbi argue that the region is tired of perpetual politicking.

• The Quote: "We respected you as our leader, but leadership is not about shouting the loudest," Wamumbi said. "The people of Mathira want development, not daily press conferences attacking the police."
• State House Hand? Analysts suspect the emboldened attacks on Gachagua by local MPs are coordinated by State House strategists aiming to dismantle his grassroots support base before 2027.
• Gachagua’s Dilemma: If he loses Mathira, he loses his legitimacy as a regional kingpin. The former DP finds himself fighting a war on two fronts: against the President in Nairobi, and against his own protégés in Nyeri.