The political battle for Mt Kenya has spilled onto the highways. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to Matatu Saccos, accusing unnamed operators of being hired to transport "goons" to disrupt his public rallies.

Speaking in Kiambu, a visibly agitated Gachagua claimed that state operatives are weaponizing the public transport sector to manufacture chaos. "We know which Saccos are eating that money," he warned. "If you agree to carry hired thugs to heckle us, we will ask our people to boycott your vehicles. You will drive empty buses."

The Economic Weapon

Gachagua’s threat to mobilize a boycott is a potent one. The Matatu industry operates on thin margins and relies heavily on daily commuters in the populous Central region. A targeted boycott by Gachagua’s supporters could cripple specific routes overnight.

• The Context: The warning follows a chaotic church service in Kiambu where hecklers disrupted proceedings. Gachagua believes these were not locals, but "imported noise-makers" ferried in from Nairobi.
• The Sector's Response: The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has called for neutrality. "We are businessmen, not politicians," said MOA Chair Albert Karakacha. "If a group hires a bus, we don't ask for their political affiliation."

Escalation

By targeting the transport sector, Gachagua is expanding the theater of conflict. He is signaling that he is willing to hurt the local economy to protect his political turf. It is a high-risk strategy that could alienate the very business community he claims to champion.