Rigathi Gachagua Hits Back at Media for Misreporting His Nairobi Deal Comments
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a strong attack on the media, accusing several outlets of deliberately misreporting his statements and publishing false information following his address on Sunday.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, during a ceremony to celebrate and unveil newly elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Gachagua singled out Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo, accusing him of filing a “biased and false” report about events at a Thanksgiving service in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30.
“Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there. Criminals attacked us in church and were driven away by church members,” Gachagua said. “They came back backed by police with guns and fought us. The OCS threw a teargas canister in the church. Then Letoo files a report that the police came to separate the gangs who were fighting. That’s a lie.”
The former DP also clarified comments he made about his party, the Democratic Change Party (DCP), and its prospects in Nairobi. Media outlets had reported that Gachagua claimed DCP would sweep all top seats in the capital, including 16 out of 17 parliamentary seats and up to 90 percent of MCA positions.
“I want to ask the media to be responsible and to stop open bias. On Sunday, I said DCP is in talks with Wiper and other opposition parties. With the history of voting patterns in Nairobi and party loyalty, the opposition can take 16 out of 17 parliamentary seats,” he said.
Gachagua emphasised that his comments were about the United Opposition coalition, not DCP alone. “Some media outlets lied. I meant the seats in Nairobi are for the United Opposition, and DCP is part of the coalition,” he added.
He also addressed claims suggesting that Nairobi’s DCP hopefuls would all come from the Kikuyu community, insisting that the party welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
Amid speculation about divisions within the opposition, Gachagua affirmed the unity of the United Opposition, saying it remains strong and cannot be divided. “We are very strong partners. Let nobody try to make me feel that I am committing any political crime by marketing my party. That is my job,” he said.
The remarks come after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed claims of a political deal with DCP in Nairobi. Kalonzo denied any agreement for Wiper to withdraw candidates from major seats, accusing the media of spreading falsehoods to create tensions within the United Opposition.
“Stop this propaganda that Wiper has left all the seats in Nairobi for DCP. They have to try everything to create tensions between us,” Kalonzo said at a function on November 30.
Gachagua also assured that DCP party nominations would be free and fair, adding that candidates’ regional backgrounds would not influence their chances.
Also Read: Panyako Details the Threats He Received From Malava Voters After Govt Sought Him for CS Role
Rigathi Gachagua Hits Back at Media for Misreporting His Nairobi Deal Comments