The political camp of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing internal rebellion just days before the official launch of his new political party, set for June 3rd at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
While the launch is expected to draw over 5,000 supporters from across Kenya tensions are brewing behind the scenes.
Multiple aspirants claim they are being forced to “buy their space” with counties being told to raise Kshs. 10 million each to fund the launch — a move that Gachagua expects to use to raise at least Kshs. 150 million.
Aspirants from the Mt. Kenya region, especially governor hopefuls, have been tasked with spearheading resource mobilization.
In Kirinyaga, one such aspirant reportedly convened a private meeting at Abai Lounge, rallying his “preferred team.” The plan? The governor aspirant would contribute Kshs. 3 million, senator, MP, and woman rep aspirants chip in with Kshs. 500,000 each, and each of the 20 MCA aspirants cough up Kshs. 100,000. “He even promised us direct tickets if we played ball,” said a disillusioned MCA hopeful, who declined to be named for fear of political backlash.
However, not all aspirants are willing to play along. “We were told to contribute money for the party launch three weeks ago. We did. Now we are being told that the money we raised was for launching the party offices, we need to raise some more for the launch. It feels like we’re being extorted!’ said a former senatorial aspirant who has since distanced himself from the party.
The growing frustration has led some aspirants to quietly withdraw, claiming the party is slowly becoming “a cash cow and a club for the wealthy.”
Despite the outcry, Gachagua’s team is busy planning for the launch and has remained tight-lipped on these allegations. They say they will not be diverted the grand plans by disgruntled aspirants who wanted direct tickets.
But the murmurs on the ground suggest a storm is brewing. “If this is how the party is run before it even starts, how will it be once in power?” asked a worried supporter.
With just days to go before the launch the pressure is on — not just to fill Kasarani, stadium where the Party is set to launch officially on 3rd July 2025, but to also build trust within a party already marred by accusations of elitism and exclusion.
The days ahead will be worth watching as Gachagua steps into the next phase of his political fight against his former friend and ally, President William Ruto.
