Ignore Gachagua at Your Own Peril: Laikipia Aspirant Warns Mt Kenya Politicians

NAIROBI, Kenya — Laikipia Woman Representative aspirant Deborah Wanjugu Nderitu has cautioned politicians seeking elective seats in Mount Kenya against underestimating former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, crediting him with consolidating the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Kameme TV’s Arahuka Rikiratha show on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Nderitu argued that Gachagua invested substantial political capital in bringing the region together during a period of potential fragmentation.

“Rigathi Gachagua started bringing together the region when we were about to scramble,” Nderitu said. “He has come a long way in bringing together the region, but there are people coming in who want to have a share of the cake without working for it.”

Nderitu warned political leaders against treating Gachagua’s influence as a spent force or attempting to inherit his mobilization networks without contributing to the effort.

“Ignore Rigathi Gachagua at your own peril if you are an aspirant in the Mount Kenya region,” she stated.

Nderitu is contesting the Laikipia Woman Representative seat on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket. Gachagua officially welcomed her to the party in April 2026, describing her as a dedicated philanthropist and community leader focused on empowering marginalized groups.

Her comments come as DCP expands its footprint across the central region, setting up intense competition in Laikipia County. The race pits DCP aspirants against incumbents such as current Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner in 2022.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Nderitu’s stance underlines how party affiliations, grassroots networks, and loyalty to regional political figures remain pivotal to voter mobilization across Mount Kenya.

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