Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have recently made it clear that they will not be intimidated by the government, pledging to continue speaking out against what they describe as the government’s failure to deliver on its promises to the Kenyan people. The politicians, who gathered during a church service in Kajiado North Constituency, strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for letting down Kenyans in key sectors, particularly in healthcare and the implementation of its election promises.
Firm Stance Against Government Failures
Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, was one of the prominent figures speaking out during the service. She openly declared her unwavering support for Deputy President Gachagua, whom she said she had voted for, and called on the government to address the “lies” it was allegedly spreading to the public.
“I want to say that some of us will continue standing with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, because he is the deputy president that I elected, let nobody intimidate us,” Wamuchomba asserted, highlighting her commitment to stand firm in the face of perceived government pressure. She praised the church for speaking out against the government’s failures and encouraged religious leaders to continue defending the Kenyan populace by speaking the truth to those in power.
Wamuchomba, known for her vocal support of Gachagua, vowed to continue traveling across the country to inform Kenyans about the challenges facing them under the current administration. She stressed that many promises made by the Kenya Kwanza government during the 2022 election campaign remain unfulfilled, and she predicted that voters would hold the government accountable in the 2027 elections.
“I know and I believe that in 2027, Kenyans will send this government home,” she added, a statement that echoed the sentiments of several other political figures at the event.
Healthcare Sector Under Scrutiny
A major point of contention for the politicians was the state of healthcare in Kenya, particularly the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which they claim is not functioning as intended. Senator Seki Lenku from Kajiado highlighted the dire situation in public hospitals, where, according to him, Kenyans continue to suffer due to inadequate healthcare services. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to address these issues and for the church to hold the government accountable on this matter.
“The government has failed Kenyans on SHIF, our people are dying in public hospitals and nothing is being done. This is a matter that the government must clarify, and the church must call out this regime,” Lenku said. He painted a grim picture of the state of public healthcare, describing public hospitals as “deathtraps” for many Kenyans who cannot afford private medical care.
The allegations regarding the ineffective SHIF have become a focal point of criticism against the government, with leaders like Lenku urging the church and other societal groups to continue advocating for better health services for the ordinary citizen.
The Ground Shifts Ahead of 2027 Elections
Cleophas Malala, the former UDA Secretary General, also weighed in, stating that the mood on the ground is shifting across the country. He expressed confidence that Kenyans were ready for change in the 2027 elections, criticizing the government for its lack of action on issues that affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
“The ground is shifting, and people are yearning for change in 2027,” Malala said. He appealed to the church to continue supporting Gachagua, noting that while his supporters had remained calm, the government’s actions were pushing many to call for a change in leadership. He urged the public to learn from Gachagua’s calm and measured responses, particularly as the political climate heats up in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
“Since his removal from office, Baba (Gachagua) has never incited any community, but those who planned his removal should learn from his behavior so that when we defeat you in 2027, you don’t go to the streets,” Malala remarked, drawing a clear line in the sand about the political rivalry between Gachagua’s supporters and those in power.
A Divided Political Landscape
The remarks from Gachagua’s allies reflect a deepening divide within the political landscape as the country moves closer to the next general elections. With Gachagua continuing to assert his influence within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and his allies pushing back against the government’s track record, the stage is set for a heated and divisive 2027 race. It remains to be seen whether the government will take steps to address the concerns raised by the opposition or if the criticisms will only fuel further political tensions in the coming years.
As Kenya gears up for the 2027 elections, these political battles will continue to shape the national discourse, with Gachagua’s supporters determined to hold the government accountable and lay the groundwork for a change in leadership.