“What standard have you set?” – MP Kawanjiku Calls Out Gachagua After ‘Weak’ Comment
Kiambaa MP John Njuguna, popularly known as Kawanjiku, has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for using a disparaging phrase to refer to him.
Kawanjiku has chastised Gachagua for referring to him as one of the weaker or lower politicians.
Last weekend, Gachagua, who is also the DP leader, remarked that the Mt Kenya region has produced weak MPs in comparison to the Nyanza region, which elects intellectuals to Parliament.
He specifically named Kawanjikus and Wamakekis as examples.
On Monday evening, Kiambaa MP accused Gachagua of using pressure and intimidation to build a following in the Mt. Kenya region.
Kawanjiku indicated that he will not be blackmailed into supporting the DCP leader.
He accused the former DP of conducting a prolonged campaign of intimidation against elected leaders who fail to support him.
“I’m not going to sit down and wait to be intimidated or coerced in any way to follow him,” he told journalists at the Parliament Buildings.
MP Hits At Gachagua:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) November 3, 2025
Kiambaa MP Kawanjiku accuses Gachagua of witch hunt
Gachagua said some Mt Kenya MPs are underwhelming #CitizenMondayReport pic.twitter.com/J2ZSYaCTlh
The member further stated that Gachagua has often warned him of “consequences” for political treachery.
The second-term MP accused Gachagua of demanding complete fealty while punishing independent political choices.
He remembers being chastised once for hosting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro in the Kiambaa constituency for a fundraising event.
“He made it his business and chased me away from his office in 2023,” Kawanjiku said, adding that there were other leaders who witnessed the episode at the then DP’s office.
The UDA MP said that Gachagua should be the last person to discuss leadership quality, citing his lack of a legislative record during his five years as Mathira MP.
“When you talk about the quality of leadership, what standard have you set yourself? You never raised any statement, you never asked any question, you never contributed to any bill (in Parliament),” he argued.
Gachagua said that the leadership in the Mt Kenya region lacked equally strong and skilled political “foot soldiers.”
The former Deputy President was speaking at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Thika, which was held by the GEMA region’s legal fraternity.
The ex-DP praised the late Raila Odinga’s leadership, commending his political approach and the ongoing strength of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Gachagua says Raila Odinga was protected in Parliament by a squad of elite lawyers … while he only had the likes of Wamatinga and a few tugeges. pic.twitter.com/Q7BNUhldF4
— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) November 2, 2025
“My people, your leader is in trouble—he has no foot soldiers. You have given him ‘weak’ leaders, yet you sit here as great minds, and you can see the lawyers who have stood with Raila,” he said.
Gachagua pushed intellectuals and professionals to get involved in politics rather than avoid it, claiming that their participation was critical in building more accountable and visionary leadership.
“You are so educated and learned; you must offer yourselves to lead our people, defend them, and make good laws,” he said.
However, Kawanjiku has defended his legitimacy as Kiambaa’s representative, claiming that the people chose him consciously, rather than because of ignorance or manipulation.
“The people of Kiambaa elected me knowingly not because we are handsome but to deliver,” he said, urging Gachagua to respect voters’ choices.
Kawanjiku asserted that his loyalty lies with President William Ruto and his development agenda, not personal political fiefdoms, saying only voters and God can decide his future.
“My destiny is not in your hands. If you feel you have a better candidate, bring them. The people will decide,” he declared .
“What standard have you set?” – MP Kawanjiku Calls Out Gachagua After ‘Weak’ Comment
