Fresh war of words as Gachagua accuses Ruto, Murkomen, Sudi of plot to take over New KCC

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua have escalated their war of words, with Gachagua telling Murkomen that his threats that security agencies are monitoring his actions and movements are hot air.

The Interior CS, in a quick rejoinder, accused Gachagua of profiling the Mt Kenya region and causing fear, adding that he will face the full force of the law.

Gachagua, while meeting Westlands delegates at his Wamunyoro home, made claims that President William Ruto, Murkomen, and Kapseret lawmaker Oscar Sudi are in a joint plot to acquire the government-owned New KCC.

“As we speak, wakaale wamenipigia kutoka Eldoret wananiambia ‘tafadhali tusaidie Ruto asichukue New KCC, ndio tegemeo letu’…huyu Ruto, Sudi na Murkomen wamepanga kuiba New KCC,” said the former Deputy President.

Gachagua's remarks come a few days after President Ruto recently outlined a plan to allow farmers to own factories in their regions, mirroring the Kenya Tea Development Agency model.

Gachagua says the plan to decentralise the milk supply chain will reduce New KCC's market share, adding that his open opposition to similar schemes is what the government has labelled as incitement.

“Na ndio unaskia huyo kijana wa Ruto anasema mimi I am inciting people…I am telling people the truth,” he said.

Gachagua further turned to the Mt Kenya region, accusing President Ruto of targeting its business population.

“Hii vita yote unaona Ruto ako nayo na watu wa mlima, anatarget wanabiashara wetu… anatarget mashamba ya watu wa mlima,” said the DCP boss.

CS Murkomen quickly opened fire on Gachagua saying his remarks confirmed his worst fears that he is on a mission to create an atmosphere of fear and siege in the Mt. Kenya region with the sole aim of extorting money from leading business people.

Murkomen added that Gachagua has resorted to politics of violence where the businesses of those who refuse to yield to his intimidation and blackmail are targeted for looting and destruction by his gangs and goons.

In his three paragraphed statement, the Interior CS added that: “Gachagua is the biggest threat to national unity and the economy of our country...His utterances and criminal activities are closely being monitored by security agencies and we shall do everything to ensure that the people and their properties are protected.”

Gachagua directed his salvos to Murkomen saying he will not be intimidated.

“There is nothing you can do to me...I will continue speaking the truth. Mmkipanga kuiba New KCC nitaambia Wakenya…mkitaka kunyang’anya Wakenya savings zao kwa Sacco nitasema na hakuna mahali mtanipeleka,” he retorted.

The two have in the recent days been on a sustained verbal confrontation, with the Interior CS warning that Gachagua will not evade a police arrest should he trigger violence in the run up to the 2027 General Election.