“Leadership is Earned, Not Demanded”: Kiambaa MP Fires at Gachagua Over Arrogance

Tension is rising in Mt Kenya’s political scene after Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku launched a bold attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He accused Gachagua of arrogance, intimidation, and attempting to control elected leaders through fear. Kawanjiku said Mt Kenya leaders will not bow to bullying or forced loyalty.

Speaking on Monday, November 3, Kawanjiku claimed Gachagua had called and sent emissaries to pressure him into political submission. However, he vowed to stand firm and remain loyal to President William Ruto. “We will not be forced to follow anyone blindly. Leadership is earned, not demanded,” Kawanjiku said.

The first-term MP criticized Gachagua for questioning other leaders’ competence. He said it was ironic since Gachagua himself once campaigned for him in 2022. “You were there campaigning for me. What were you implying then if I’m now unfit to lead?” he asked. Kawanjiku argued that the former DP’s comments were both hypocritical and disrespectful to leaders chosen by the people.

He also questioned Gachagua’s record as Mathira MP between 2017 and 2022. According to Kawanjiku, the former DP made little impact in Parliament and failed to show true leadership. “You never raised a statement, never asked a question, and never contributed to any bill,” he said. Kawanjiku noted that leaders like Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah were better examples of active and visionary representation.

The Kiambaa MP accused Gachagua of trying to divide the Mt Kenya region instead of uniting it. He urged him to stop undermining younger leaders and instead focus on building consensus. Kawanjiku said Mt Kenya politicians were capable of independent thinking and did not need a political enforcer.

His sharp remarks came days after Gachagua claimed some Mt Kenya leaders lacked the intellectual ability to lead. Kawanjiku dismissed the statement as baseless and divisive. He urged regional leaders to reject intimidation and focus on service delivery.

Kawanjiku concluded by reminding Gachagua that the era of political dominance was over. He insisted that power now belongs to the people and that leadership must be earned through respect and action, not fear or coercion.