A section of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Mt. Kenya have expressed concern over what they describe as costly requirements to meet with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to the MCAs, they are being asked to contribute Ksh 50,000 each to attend a two-hour consultation session with Mr. Gachagua. Delegations are only considered if they have at least 10 members, effectively translating to a minimum of Ksh 500,000 per meeting.
Attendance has been uneven across counties. Out of more than 40 Murang’a MCAs, only 13 have participated in such meetings. Nyeri recorded 20, Kirinyaga 16, and Kiambu 21. Leaders in other counties are said to be planning visits but remain hesitant over the financial implications.
Some MCAs argue that the sessions are being presented as strategic opportunities to align themselves with the Mt. Kenya political base ahead of the 2027 elections, but they feel the financial demands are excessive.
“We are told that once you meet him, you are seen as part of his team and that boosts your standing with voters. But why must access to leadership come with such a high cost?” questioned one MCA.
Others pointed to additional charges whenever the meetings are hosted at Mr. Gachagua’s establishments — including Outspan Hotel in Nyeri and Olive Gardens in Nairobi’s Hurlingham — where food and beverages are billed to the guests. Similar claims have been made regarding visits to his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri and Karen home in Nairobi, where attendees reportedly pay around Ksh 5,000 each for meals.
“Paying Ksh 50,000 for entry and then footing the bill again for food and drinks makes it hard to justify the value of these sessions,” another MCA remarked.
While a few leaders see the contributions as a manageable investment in their political campaigns, the majority insist the practice places an unnecessary financial burden on elected representatives.
Analysts warn that if the complaints persist, they could fuel discontent among grassroots leaders and undermine Mr. Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate political influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
