Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has reignited his call for a “re-population” of the Mt Kenya region, urging families to have an average of six children to strengthen the community’s influence in national politics.
Speaking on Saturday in Kiambu County during the dowry payment ceremony for Aloise Kinyanjui’s wife, Ms. Anne Wangari, Gachagua framed population growth as a cornerstone for Mt Kenya’s unity and political power.
Kinyanjui is the younger brother to former President William Ruto’s economic advisor, Moses Kuria. He joined DCP last month and announced plans to vie for Juja parliamentary seat.
“As your community leader, I am directing you to seriously consider giving birth to at least six children per family. All those fertile men and women in this community, it is over to you,” he told the crowd.
Gachagua encouraged couples not to fear economic hardships, arguing that the hardworking and enterprising nature of the community would ensure families can raise larger households.
He also tied the proposal to his 2027 presidential ambitions, promising to revive key social programs if elected.
“Tomorrow looks brighter. If you make me your President in the 2027 General Election, I will immediately reinstate the Linda Mama Maternal Health facility that made giving birth free in all public hospitals,” he said.
Gachagua further pledged to restore free primary and secondary education, while restructuring higher education funding to ensure access for all deserving students.
“You have no excuse not to add more babies. I soon want to see evidence of couples heeding my call for pregnancies across Mt Kenya…You, Mr. Kinyanjui, don’t let me down. I want to see your wife develop a bulge soon,” he said, drawing laughter from the gathering.
Gachagua also directed a tongue-in-cheek message to local men, saying: “Those men yet to return their tools of farming back to the stores should heed the word of your community leader and add babies.”
Beyond population matters, Gachagua addressed broader challenges facing the youth, criticizing what he called avoidable losses due to extrajudicial killings, substance abuse, and government negligence. He also criticized President Ruto over Kenyans reportedly recruited to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“President Ruto should be accountable for the Kenyans dying in Russia fighting Ukraine. The buck stops with him; he should order a manhunt for all those Kenyans and bring them back home. They left the country knowing full well the government’s stance,” he said.
Gachagua also vowed to defend Mt Kenya against attempts to fragment the region politically.
“I will not accept that. President Ruto and his loyalists must know that the Mountain is not about its subunits. It is not about its boundaries. It is about its people. I won’t let anyone divide the community,” he stated.
He outlined his vision to consolidate Mt Kenya politically in a manner similar to how Nyanza leveraged its numbers under Raila Odinga, ensuring representation in government even without controlling the presidency.
“They were not winning the presidency but ended up in all governments because of their numbers in a big party. That is what I seek to achieve with DCP,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader also promised to protect regional leaders, citing Kiambu County politician Kimani Wamatangi as an example.
“Especially don’t persecute Wamatangi; he is our son. Kiambu County Assembly has done well resisting bribes aimed at impeaching him. The MCAs should stay firm and not be like those leaders who took money to remove me,” he said.
The post Gachagua Tells Mt Kenya Families: “Have Six Children, I’ll Reinstate Linda Mama” appeared first on Bossnana.
