Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has invoked the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki as he intensified grassroots consultations in Nyeri County, saying the 2027 General Election offers Othaya residents an opportunity to restore what he described as the constituency's tradition of strong leadership.
Speaking after meeting grassroots leaders from Othaya on Monday, Mr Gachagua said the constituency, which was represented by Mr Kibaki for four decades, should once again elect a leader who embodies the former President's values of integrity, intellect and effective representation.
"Today was a great day engaging grassroots leaders from Othaya, the land of President Mwai Kibaki. I have benefited greatly from their wisdom, focus and experience," Mr Gachagua said in a statement.
The former Deputy President appeared to acknowledge past political decisions in the constituency, saying residents had reflected on what he termed a regrettable mistake in choosing Mr Kibaki's successor.
"I recall having greatly influenced the election of a replacement for Mwai Kibaki, effectively undermining the pride and stature of the constituency," he said.
Without naming the former MP, Mr Gachagua praised Othaya's previous representation, describing it as a period when the constituency was served by "a great mind, an eloquent, astute debater and an effective people's representative."
He said consultations with local leaders had yielded consensus that the 2027 election should usher in "a sharp, intelligent and focused leader" capable of restoring the constituency's stature.
"We have all agreed, in one accord, that the General Election of August 10, 2027, will be a great opportunity to elect a sharp, intelligent and focused leader who will bring back the memories of Mwai Kibaki and guarantee Othaya a great future," Mr Gachagua said.
He concluded his remarks with the slogan, "Othaya will be great again," adding that consultations across the region would continue.
The remarks come as Mr Gachagua steps up political engagements across the Mt Kenya region following his fallout with President William Ruto. In recent months, the former Deputy President has embarked on a series of meetings with grassroots leaders, positioning himself as a key figure in efforts to reshape the region's political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Othaya remains one of Kenya's most symbolic constituencies, having been represented by the late former President Mwai Kibaki from 1974 until his retirement in 2013. Mr Kibaki is widely credited with overseeing a period of economic growth, infrastructure expansion and public sector reforms during his presidency, making his legacy a powerful reference point in the region's politics.
