Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, accusing him of assaulting women and working against the interests of local residents.
Speaking during a political rally in Nkubu, Meru County, on Friday, June 20, 2025, Gachagua claimed that Mwiti was using violence to silence dissent and secure political favours from the leaders.
“Hapa Nkubu mnasemaje? Nyinyi watu ya Kasongo hapana tupa mawe, hamna adabu!” Gachagua said, addressing a restless crowd. “Watu ya Kasongo wanatupia kina mama mawe. Wewe Mheshimiwa Mwiti, mambo yako imekwisha. Unakuja hapa kupiga kina mama!”
Translation: “What are you saying here in Nkubu? You people of Kasongo, don’t throw stones, you have no manners! The people of Kasongo are throwing stones at women. You, Honourable Mwiti, your time is up. You come here to beat women!”
PHOTO/@rigathi/X
Paid political violence
In his fiery speech, the former Deputy President suggested that Mwiti was being funded to disrupt the peace and intimidate voters ahead of the next election.
“Umepewa pesa na Kasongo upige watu ya nyumbani. Wewe Kasongo unatubeba ufala. Unapeana pesa kwa Mwiti, akuje kupiga kina mama,” he added, pointing to growing concerns over rising political tension in the region.
Translation: “You’ve been given money by Kasongo to beat up local people. You, Kasongo, are taking us for fools. You’re giving money to Mwiti to come and beat women.”
The Meru rally marks the latest stop in Gachagua’s extensive campaign across Kenya, following engagements in Ukambani, the Coast, and Central Kenya. Since his impeachment, Gachagua has repositioned himself as a vocal opposition figure, launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on May to challenge President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
His Meru visit aligns with his strategy to consolidate support in the Mount Kenya region, where he remains a polarising yet influential figure.
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
