Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has slammed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over allegations of intimidation and political coercion.
Wamuchomba on Monday, January 5, accused Gachagua of consistently intimidating and coercing her to decamp from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
"Now Wamunyoro is attempting to intimidate me through coercion and constant assaults to join DCP. I need to lay bare facts for him," Wamochumba wrote on her X account.
According to the lawmaker, the former DP was allegedly using some of his key allies to intimidate a section of Mt Kenya politicians who had refused to join the opposition party.
MP Wamuchomba accused Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa of acting as proxies to pressure and intimidate pro-government leaders in the Mt Kenya region.
"He is using Senator Karungo to demean those not in the 'Mlima' party. Karungo is still a UDA senator screaming about another party," she commented.
"If this party is really strong, why can’t Methu, Karungo and Nyutu resign first, then we elect them through their new masikio party? I’m not joining that party, and I’m in UDA until 2027," Wamuchomba added.
In her statement, the lawmaker noted that it was not the first time she had faced similar threats from Gachagua, adding that in 2023 she faced a similar situation after voting against the Finance Bill.
Meanwhile, Wamuchomba, who was once an ardent supporter of Gachagua, has now turned out to be one of his greatest critics, accusing him of several misdeeds.
Their fallout stems mid last year after the MP accused the DCP leader of reportedly attempting to monopolise the Mt Kenya region's political direction.
The difference first came to light when the Githunguri MP failed to attend Gachagua's party launch, which was held in May last year. Her absence sparked speculations of a potential misunderstanding.
Wamuchomba had on several occasions challenged Gachagua to broaden his focus beyond the Mt Kenya region and rally support from Kenyans in other regions.
