Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again shown why his politics are a trap for Mt. Kenya. Instead of working to unite the region and deliver solutions for its people, Gachagua has made it clear that his only mission is self-interest and divisive power games.
Speaking on Sunday, Ndia MP George Kariuki rightly called him out. Gachagua instructed residents to heckle and disrupt meetings of leaders supporting President William Ruto, a move that exposes the emptiness of his leadership. Leadership is supposed to serve people, not turn them into pawns in political battles.
Gachagua’s record is consistent. He has used Mt. Kenya votes as bargaining chips, creating tribal tension and stoking fear to consolidate his own influence. The region has real problems—unemployment, poor infrastructure, rising prices—but his energy goes into noise and chaos, not solutions. Kariuki reminded the people of late President Mwai Kibaki’s style of leadership, which prioritized unity and development over personal ambition.
This is why young people, especially Gen Z, must take charge. Registering as voters is not enough; they must actively participate in elections to end the cycle of selfish leadership. Mt. Kenya deserves leaders who will tackle poverty, create opportunities, and unite the country, not those who treat people as political currency.
Gachagua’s politics are a warning: when leaders put themselves first, communities are held hostage. Mt. Kenya must demand leaders who work for the people, not for their own future negotiations or personal gain. The youth have the power to break this cycle and ensure the region’s votes are used for progress, not for chaos.
It is time to ask hard questions: Are we following leaders who deliver or leaders who divide? Because the future of Mt. Kenya—and indeed Kenya—cannot be left to those driven only by self-interest.
