Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he warned that residents of Mbeere North would deliver a political rebuke to President William Ruto in the constituency’s by-election on November 27.
Gachagua made the statement during a campaign visit, asserting that local voters would make their stance clear.
“Ruto, you don’t know the Mbeere people. On Thursday the 27th, at midnight, you will understand exactly who the Mbeere people are. They will teach you a lesson,” he said, as shown in a video circulating online.
In response, Cherargei dismissed the comments as political posturing and accused the former deputy president of panic-driven campaigning. On X, the senator highlighted Gachagua’s intensified outreach in the area, including visits to households, village meetings, and direct interactions with residents.
“Mr. Quarter Term cannot threaten anyone because he has panicked. That’s why he is walking around with a tea thermos flask and bread campaigning from house to house, village to village,” Cherargei posted.
The Nandi senator also questioned the sudden shift in Gachagua’s approach, noting it contradicts prior assurances about the loyalty of Mt Kenya voters.
“Why is Wamunyoro all of a sudden panicked yet he told us Mt Kenya votes are under lock and key?” he added, referring to Gachagua by his nickname.
The Mbeere North by-election has attracted national attention as a test of influence in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and a measure of voter sentiment in the region. Political analysts point out that Mt Kenya constituencies often play a pivotal role in shaping party strategies ahead of national elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that preparations for polling are complete, including enhanced security deployments to safeguard the electoral process. Cherargei expressed confidence that the ruling party’s supporters would assert their choice at the ballot.
“Mbeere North by-elections on 27th November, we shall teach him the lesson he shall not forget,” he stated.