The fight for political control in the Mt Kenya region has taken a new and dramatic turn after former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria openly dared Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to visit his political backyard.
In a bold statement shared online, Kuria challenged Gachagua to step into his home area if he truly believes he has support on the ground.
“I dare you to step foot in my home ground if you are a man,” Kuria said.
The daring message comes just days before Gachagua’s planned visit to Githunguri Constituency on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
According to his schedule, Gachagua is expected to attend a church service at AIPCA Karatina Church before heading to the Komothai Super Cup tournament at PCEA Kagema Primary School in Kibichoi.
Kuria’s remarks were made in response to Jamleck M. Kihiu, a 2027 MCA aspirant for Komothai Ward in Kiambu County, an area considered to be Kuria’s political stronghold.
The exchange has further exposed the growing rivalry between Kuria and Gachagua as both seek to command influence over the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The bad blood between the two leaders has been building for months. On Saturday, January 3, Kuria intensified the war of words by accusing Gachagua of being behind acts of violence, including an alleged attack on Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marubu.
“Mr Rigathi Gachagua, you are a coward, a despot, and a dangerous man. From today, prepare for a battle royale. You crossed the red line,” Kuria declared in a strongly worded message.
Kuria has also claimed that Gachagua played a role in his removal from the Cabinet and his transfer from the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. He later resigned from his role as a senior government adviser in July 2025.
On his side, Gachagua has dismissed Kuria as a political “project” of the presidency, accusing him of being used to divide the Mt Kenya region. Kuria has hit back by describing Gachagua’s leadership as backward and primitive, claiming he promotes tribal politics.
Their rivalry has played out through heated exchanges on social media, interviews, and public statements. With Gachagua set to visit Kuria’s backyard on Sunday, many Kenyans are watching closely to see whether the political standoff will escalate further.
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Politics