Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has introduced a new rallying slogan as he continues to build his national political base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During a meeting with leaders and elders from the Maa community at his Wamunyoro residence on Monday, June 23, 2025, Gachagua rolled out a new slogan, replacing his now-famous “cousin” narrative with a fresh term of endearment, this time referring to the Maa community as Mount Kenya’s in-laws.
Gachagua’s latest catchphrase, “Hi shemeji,” was warmly received by the visiting delegation, who responded with cheers, laughter, and a symbolic raising of their traditional herding sticks.
The phrase, Swahili for “Hi in-law,” was meant to underscore the deep-rooted cultural and familial bonds between the Maa and Agikuyu communities.
“Hata juzi vile ile mambo ya cousins imekuja… Maa hapana cousins, hao ni mashemeji wetu, Hi shemeji, mashemeji hi,” Gachagua quipped, triggering a wave of excitement among the gathered guests.
He explained that the new framing came after consultations with Mount Kenya elders, who reminded him that the relationship between the Agikuyu and the Maa was not one of casual friendship, but of kinship forged through intermarriage, trade, and decades of trust.
Gachaguua Touts Maa’s Historic Ties with Mount Kenya
The former Deputy President also invoked Kenya’s political history to illustrate the strategic alliance between the two regions. He recalled how, in the early 2000s, former President Mwai Kibaki turned to Maa leaders like John Keen and the late Parapai after falling out with President Daniel Moi.
“Mimi nataka niseme, Mwai Kibaki alipokosana na Moi, alienda kutafta John Keen na marehemu Parapai,” Gachagua narrated.
“Wakaniambia hao watu wa Maa ni kama sisi, hawana dhuluma na ni wangwana, na ni watu straightforward. Wewe, kwenda tafuta urafiki na watu wa Maa.
“Wa Maa sisi ni mashemeji. Tunaona tunafanya biashara pamoja,” he added.
He added that the unity witnessed in counties like Narok, Kajiado, and Laikipia – where people from both communities live, trade, and intermarry – is a strong foundation for future political collaboration.
“We must move forward together,” he said.
Senator Seki Lenku Backs Gachagua, Predicts DCP Gains in Maa Region for 2027
His remarks were strongly echoed by Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku, who pledged full support from the Maa community for Gachagua’s 2027 ambitions. Lenku brushed off claims that the former DP only enjoys the backing of a few Maa MPs, saying such suggestions do not reflect the reality on the ground.
“Kama jamii, tutatembea na wewe,” Lenku declared. “Eti wanasema ni (MPs) Ngongoyo na Parashina tu? Kwani hawa wote ni watu wawili? Si hii ni kama 2 per cent.”
According to Lenku, the size of the delegation that visited Wamunyoro was just a glimpse of the growing support for Gachagua across the Maa region. He also claimed that several Maa leaders, especially governors, were being kept from publicly backing Gachagua due to state intimidation.
“Tunakupatia uhakika ya kwamba Wamasai wanasimama na wewe katika Jamhuri ya Kenya, katika kila mahali. Wale wengine wako kwa sababu ya lazima,” Lenku said. “Kwa mfano, ma-Governors wakijaribu kuongea, wanaambiwa ngoja utatuona.”
The senator predicted that Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) would perform well in the Maa belt during the 2027 polls. He estimated the party could win at least five parliamentary seats and more than 25 MCA positions in the region alone.
Lenku also took the opportunity to explain why he voted against Gachagua’s impeachment in the Senate, saying that the overwhelming grassroots support the former Deputy President enjoys made it impossible to go against the will of the people.
