A highly anticipated lunch meeting organized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home on Sunday was abruptly cancelled after complaints emerged over unexpected demands for money from invited leaders.
Gachagua had invited more than 200 Mt Kenya leaders—including MCAs, MPs, senators, and governors—for a luncheon meant to deliberate on party issues and craft a unified message ahead of his appearance on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi show later in the evening.
The invitation message sent iut yesterdat read in part: “HE Rigathi Gachagua would like to host you for lunch tomorrow at his Wamunyoro home to discuss party issues and brainstorm what he should tell the region during Kiririmbi show. Please confirm your attendance.”
However, controversy erupted when several leaders who confirmed their attendance reported receiving follow-up calls from Gachagua’s staff, instructing them to come with Kshs. 10,000 for catering and “a small bahasha to support the party.”
This move angered grassroots leaders, particularly MCAs and aspirants, who viewed it as an attempt to monetize political meetings.
“We were shocked. How do you invite people and then ask them to pay to eat and contribute again? It felt like a toll station,” said one MCA who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Another leader added:
“It is very selfish. Leaders are already struggling to meet the needs of their people. Instead of uniting us, he is trying to make money from us.”
As complaints spread, Gachagua’s team sent a cancellation notice: “Jambo Kiongozi. Take note today’s lunch with HE Gachagua has been cancelled and only those who want to join him for Kiririmbi show can join him at 6:00 pm.”
The abrupt cancellation has left many leaders disappointed, with some questioning Gachagua’s approach to leadership and party mobilization.
