23-Year-Old Former Street Urchin Rejects Gachagua's Job Offer

A collage of UDA) Presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua and Mathira Parliamentary aspirant Daniel Kiige
A collage of UDA) Presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua and Mathira Parliamentary aspirant Daniel Kiige
Courtesy

A 23-year old former street urchin contesting for the Mathira parliamentary seat has declined a job offer by Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate, Rigathi Gachagua.

Daniel Kiige, who is seeking the Mathira parliamentary seat on a Freedom and Justice Party, turned down the offer by Gachagua that was meant to persuade him to step down from the race in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.

Kiige, who is seeking to succeed Gachagua, told the MP to his face that he will not be swayed by any offers of landing a lucrative job in the next government, stating that he would rather try his luck on the ballot.

Mathira Parliamentary aspirant Daniel Kiige
Mathira Parliamentary aspirant Daniel Kiige
Courtesy Daniel Kiige

"Thank you for offering me a job but my mission is to help the people of Mathira, and I will not abandon that mission,” Kiige stated.

The two met at a function in Konyu ward in Mathira constituency when the outgoing MP convened a meeting of leaders to implore them to back and support UDA parliamentary candidate, Eric Wamumbi.

Kiige, who is a former street boy, was applauded by the people in attendance after he declined Gachagua's offer. He was rescued from the streets by well-wishers who also helped him get a full government sponsorship and joined KCA University. 

“The problems I have gone through have prompted me to seek the leadership of this constituency. I feel I need to touch many hearts as a response towards lifting the people who are constantly struggling to wriggle out of their problems,” Nation Africa quoted him.

He cleared university in 2021 and has not yet landed a job. Kiige stated that serving Mathira constituency would be his dream job and that dream will not be deterred by anyone.

Well-wishers noted that he does not have the required political muscle to fund his campaigns and that is why they have stepped in to help him.

Kiige is facing off with UDA's Wamumbi, who is also considered his strongest opponent.

Wamumbi was given the UDA ticket when Deputy President William Ruto named Gachagua as his running mate. During a UDA rally in Nyeri county, Ruto heaped praises on Wamumbi terming him as a person who is committed to the party.

Mathira MP aspirant, Eric Wa Mumbi
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Mathira MP aspirant, Eric Wa Mumbi

DP Ruto announce that the party had settled on the Konyu Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) due to his outstanding leadership qualities.

"Wamumbi is a firm leader. He was one of the few MCAs in Nyeri County who refused bribe offers in order to endorse the BBI Bill in the County Assembly. His firmness will be of great value to the people of Mathira," Ruto stated at the time.