Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called out the National Assembly for what she termed as misplaced priorities, accusing MPs of focusing too much on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua instead of addressing urgent national matters.
In a statement shared on her X account on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Maina questioned why the House is still focusing on the former DP months after his impeachment.
Maina expressed frustration over the House adjourning to discuss Gachagua instead of focusing on urgent national matters such as school capitation, the welfare of healthcare workers, and the shortage of essential vaccines like BCG and polio.
“Apparently, it is not more pressing to discuss matters of national importance like school capitation, or Universal Healthcare Workers’ plight, or the apparent unavailability of BCG & Polio Vaccine,” Maina stated.
Adding;
“H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH, whom they already impeached and sent to the nondescript village called Wamunyoro, is the urgent topic to warrant adjourning the house. Si he just a villager now? Ama? Kwani villagers get discussed in the NA?”
Maina, a staunch supporter of Gachagua, mocked the MPs for elevating Gachagua to national discussion again, saying he was already impeached and sent off to Wamunyoro. She questioned why someone they considered a mere villager should still be a matter of urgency for the House, sarcastically asking if Parliament now listens to villagers.
She went on to remind legislators how Gachagua was once dismissed as a passing cloud, only to resurface with even more political clout. In her words, the 13th Parliament has become a space where Kenyans shall see things.
“Si the National Assembly does not even listen to the voice of villagers? Si, what would they know according to the NA? About the budget, about the state of the economy, et al.
“He who they said will be popular for two weeks only, and then he’s forgotten like Simon Makonde. Ah, this 13th parliament, we shall show you things,” she added.
Political clout
Since his impeachment in October 2024, Rigathi Gachagua has surprised many by regaining and even growing his political influence. While critics predicted his downfall, he defied expectations by launching the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party and positioning himself as a key opposition voice.
Despite being ousted over allegations of corruption and incitement, Gachagua refused to step back. Instead, he embraced the political storm and turned it into fuel for a comeback. During a rally in Nyeri in March 2025, he confidently told supporters, “I left with 5 million votes after my impeachment,” showing no signs of backing down.
In a series of public appearances, Gachagua has not only defended his record but also issued sharp rebukes aimed at President William Ruto and his allies.
He has also taken on the role of a whistleblower of sorts, accusing certain factions within the Kenya Kwanza government of abandoning campaign promises, engaging in exclusionary politics, and disregarding the hustler narrative that brought them to power. His criticism, while subtle at times, has grown more overt and is now resonating with the public, who feel disillusioned by the government’s performance.
The former DP has been capitalising on growing economic frustrations, such as high taxation and rising cost of living, to portray himself as the defender of the people.
