Moses Kuria fires back at Gachagua over Ol Kalou violence allegations

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sharply criticized Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of repeatedly framing him as a scapegoat for political violence in the Mt. Kenya region.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday afternoon, Kuria dismissed Gachagua's latest claims - made the same day at a mass funeral in Ol Kalou - linking him to electoral chaos and the hiring of goons during the recently concluded by-elections. 

"Dear Rigathi Gachagua. Even if you accuse me 1000 times of planning violence (Like you have done again today in Ol Kalou) without proof it will not wash," Kuria posted on his verified handle.

The former Ruto adviser further revisited political disagreements between the two leaders dating back to 2020 and 2021 regarding political coalition building in Mt. Kenya. 

He reminded Gachagua of earlier warnings against relinquishing local political party identity when forming political pacts, stating that he warned the former Deputy President that the Mt. Kenya community should not enter political coalitions without retaining their own political party.

"I warned you we as a community do not go into a coalition without our party. You fought me. I said we don't go to a dowry negotiation while boarding the bride groom's Mercedes," Kuria recalled, claiming Gachagua fought all political parties outside the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at the time.

Addressing current political rivalries involving Gachagua's DCP party, Kuria insisted he would not contest any elective seat or oppose DCP candidates in Mt. Kenya.

He further revealed that he would be stepping back, allowing Gachagua's party to field candidates freely across the region.

"You can have DCP candidates all over Mt Kenya. I will not even vie for any seat myself. BUT.. It will end up in tears," Kuria cautioned.

Concluding his statement, Kuria sarcastically acknowledged Gachagua's standing as the regional leader before calling for an end to the personal accusations.

"Now that you are the undisputed King, cut me the slack and give me some peace. We watch you for the next 12 months Muthamaki," he wrote.

Kuria's sharp response highlights continuing political friction in Mt. Kenya following high-stakes local campaigns and by-elections in Ol Kalou, as well as Gachagua's revitalised standing across the region.