Kitutu Chache South Member of Parliament, Hon. Anthony Kibagendi, has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of attempting to hijack the opposition and playing a "dangerous game" that risks handing President William Ruto a second term in office.
In a candid and hard-hitting statement posted on his official Facebook page, the lawmaker alleged that Gachagua is "overrating himself" and behaving like an "Ayatollah" who wants to run the opposition and a future government by remote control.
'Shareholder' Walkout and the Roots of Betrayal
Relating a 2023 meeting at the Deputy President’s office with Gusii region MPs, Kibagendi recounted how Gachagua reportedly insulted opposition lawmakers over development funds, demanding to know why they expected projects when they held no "shares" in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"He particularly turned to me and asked why I could not ask Raila Odinga to build roads and provide other development needs for Kitutu Chache South. He said this with immense arrogance, clearly intending to demean me," Kibagendi wrote, describing how he stood up and walked out of the meeting in protest.
Kibagendi noted that this encounter, coupled with the introduction of the controversial Housing Levy later that year, cemented his stance against the administration. He claimed credit for being among the first leaders to declare Kenya Kwanza a "One-Term Government" and coining the popular political slogan "Wantam".
"Opposition Prefect"
Addressing Gachagua’s recent political realignments following his impeachment, Kibagendi criticized the former DP for positioning himself as the head of the opposition despite having previously defended the policies that sparked public outrage during the 2024 Gen Z protests.
"Fast-forward to 2026, and Rigathi has appointed himself the United Opposition Prefect. Yet, when he was impeached, he found even Mt. Kenya already in the opposition," Kibagendi stated. "In the opposition, we must move away from ushenzi and tribal nonsense towards ungwana, maturity, and the preaching of national unity."
He emphasized that opposition resistance was forged through the sacrifices of leaders who endured violent arrests, detention, loss of parliamentary committee seats, and state harassment—struggles that long predated Gachagua's exit from government.
Calls to Isolate Opposition Leaders
The Kitutu Chache South MP accused Gachagua of trying to systematically sideline key figures within the opposition line-up, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i, former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Pointing specifically to a recent interview Gachagua gave on Inooro FM, Kibagendi expressed outrage over suggestions that a coalition could be formed excluding certain key regional stakeholders
"This is a man who is playing a dangerous game with the future of the opposition. In my view, his conduct risks handing Ruto another term," Kibagendi warned, alleging that during talks at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua had demanded a 50 percent stake in a future opposition government structure.
A Call for Respect and Unity
Kibagendi maintained that while he is not pushing for any specific individual—whether Matiang'i, Edwin Sifuna, or Kalonzo Musyoka—to be named the opposition flag bearer, the collective focus must remain on genuine unity, mutual respect, and unseating the current administration.
"His lack of emotional intelligence, domineering tendencies, and desire to control everyone cannot be allowed to define the character of the opposition," Kibagendi concluded before humorously signing off his post from the gym: "Haya sasa, leteni matusi. Nikiinua machuma hapa kwa gym!"
