DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses a section of Somali community at his residence on July 29 /HANDOUT
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up his 2027 political outreach by courting residents from Northern Kenya, promising to popularise DCP across the region, urging residents to reject what he termed intimidation and poor leadership.
Speaking after hosting a delegation from Northern Kenya at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri county, Gachagua said the region remained marginalised despite the advent of devolution and pledged to champion its development agenda.
"As part of my consultations with the people of Kenya, I received a delegation from Northern Kenya. I listened to their perspective and their unique development and economic challenges," he said.
He claimed residents had expressed concerns over underdevelopment and inadequate service delivery, saying devolution had not fully addressed their needs.
"Northern Kenya must be liberated by all means. I will stand by the people of the North, come what may," Gachagua said.
The former DP urged the Somali community to remain united and reject what he described as intimidation, poor leadership and the exploitation of regional resources.
"I urge the Somali community to stand together firmly and say no to intimidation, bad leadership and the depletion of their resources," he said.
He also appeared to reference recent political controversy over remarks directed at the Somali community, saying residents "must also be safe from venomous leaders who call other Kenyans hyenas."
Gachagua said the Agikuyu and Somali communities had enjoyed a long-standing friendship and stressed that he respected the Muslim faith just as he respected all other religions in the country.
"The Agikuyu and Somali communities are friends, and I respect the Muslim religion just like I respect every other religion in Kenya," he told the delegation.
Seeking to expand DCP's national footprint, Gachagua announced plans to tour the North Eastern region to popularise the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He also encouraged aspiring governors, senators, members of parliament, woman representatives and MCAs from the region to seek elective office on DCP tickets.
"I will visit the North Eastern counties to popularise DCP and I encourage aspirants for various elective seats to vie through our party," he said.
The former Deputy President said the concerns raised by the delegation would help shape his agenda ahead of the next General Election.
"Ultimately, their views form a significant part of the agenda for realizing Kenya's potential," he said.
The meeting is part of Gachagua's ongoing consultations with different regional groups as he seeks to position DCP as a national political outfit and build alliances ahead of the August 10, 2027 general election.
