On Sunday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua postponed the much-awaited launch of his new political party.
Speaking during a prime-time broadcast interview with all media stations from the Mt Kenya region, the former DP announced that he had formalized everything and that the only remaining event was the launch of the party. This was despite the anxiety he had created earlier with reports that he would delve into the details of the party during the interview.
Additionally, Gachagua revealed that the party's launch will be in Nairobi, enabling his supporters to travel from different parts of the country to attend the event.
However, when asked about the name of his new party, the former Mathira MP insisted that he would keep the name secret as part of his political strategy.
''I will not announce the party's name today but the party is ready and is a good party with a good constitution. Everything is done but we shall launch the party in a very colourful ceremony that will be held in Nairobi at a venue to be announced,'' Gachagua announced.
''This will enable us all to come together from all parts of the country so that we launch our party. From there all systems will be ready to roll,'' he added.
His announcement was a departure from an earlier promise he had made noting that the unveiling would happen on January 31. When that failed to happen, he promised his core supporters that the launch would be done in a matter of weeks. Now, the party details will be made public in May, more than 3 months away.
Furthermore, Gachagua stated that the formation of the new party would trigger a mass exodus from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), causing a significant shift in the political landscape.
Gachagua has increasingly utilized his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County as a hub for political engagements, hosting local leaders from Mt. Kenya to solidify his political influence in the region.
However, his critics were quick to respond politically shortly after his interview, particularly regarding the comments that Rigathi made on how he had pulled the mountain on his side.
Leading the charge was his area MP and former ally turned critic, Eric Wamumbi, who, during an interview with NTV, dismissed Gachagua's claims that the launch of his new party would trigger a mass exodus from UDA.
''Rigathi Gachagua is not Mt Kenya and Mt Kenya is not Rigathi Gachagua. The people of this region are wise, when they realize you’re misguiding them, they will leave you,'' Wamumbi stated.
''I have a very huge following in this constituency, I went to his backyard and his people asked me to stay with Ruto since Gachagua is misguiding and lying to the people of Mt Kenya.''
