Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba’s defiant stand has ignited a storm in Mt Kenya, thrusting her into the crosshairs of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s ruthless brand of vendetta politics.
Once among his staunchest allies, Wamuchomba now faces a torrent of abuse — accused of “spying” for President William Ruto, branded msaliti (traitor), and threatened with political extinction. Her response was unapologetic: “I serve my people, not factions.”
But the attacks reveal a deeper rot. Since his impeachment in 2024, Gachagua has poisoned Mt Kenya with tribal grievances, unleashing mobs on leaders seen as “Ruto collaborators.” Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and now Wamuchomba have borne the brunt. Even in moments demanding decency, Gachagua’s silence has been telling — when Ichung’wah’s father died recently, he neither condoled nor visited.
Political analysts argue Gachagua thrives on division, pitting Kikuyu leaders against each other while undermining opposition unity. His scorched-earth politics, they say, could fracture the very mountain he claims to defend.
For Wamuchomba, her ordeal underscores the impossible balance many leaders face: serve their people or surrender to Rigathi’s wrath. Her defiance may yet signal a shift — Mt Kenya voters tiring of fear-based politics.
If Gachagua seeks relevance, analysts warn, he must abandon vendettas. The mountain needs bridge-builders, not warlords feeding on bitterness.
