Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his outreach to the Somali community as part of his preparations for the 2027 General Election. On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Gachagua convened a meeting with Somali leaders and members at his Wamunyoro residence.

In a brief social media update, Gachagua noted the engagement simply as "Meeting Somalia community at Wamunyoro." This move comes amid heightened political activity nationwide and ongoing investigations by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) into several leaders over alleged hate speech and incitement.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Gachagua emphasized that his relationship with the Somali community is built on shared interests and longstanding connections. He sought to separate the community from political disputes involving himself, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, and others.

He stated, "Our relationship with the Somali community is our life and our future. As a leader from Mount Kenya and a leader of Kenya, I will not allow other leaders or anyone else acting on political instructions to come between us and the Somalis."

NCIC Investigations Underway

The NCIC has launched probes into Gachagua alongside other senior figures, including Health CS Aden Duale, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, and Mandera Deputy Governor. Members of Parliament John Koyi Waluke, Wanjiku E. Muhia, and David Gikaria are also under scrutiny.

NCIC Chair Reverend Kepha Omae assured that the investigations will be conducted fairly with collaboration from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. "As investigations proceed, all parties remain entitled to their rights until any wrongdoing is proven," Omae said.

Political Consultations Continue at Wamunyoro

Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home has become a hub for political discussions, attracting leaders and aspirants. Recently, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and the entire County Assembly joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), committing to defend their seats under the party banner and participate in upcoming primaries.

Additionally, 24 sitting MCAs from Laikipia and Nakuru counties, Kinangop MP Wangui Gikonyo, and other candidates have held talks with Gachagua. Among visitors were DCP parliamentary hopeful James Muchiri Gachoki of Kirinyaga and Kikuyu Ward MCA aspirant Simon Maina Chege.

Distancing the Somali Community from Political Disputes

Gachagua has actively worked to shield the Somali community from fallout linked to political conflicts. In a rally in Embu on July 25, he urged Mount Kenya residents not to direct anger towards the Somali people for remarks attributed to Duale, stating, "They have not wronged us. It is Duale who has wronged us."

He commended Somali professionals and elders who condemned inflammatory comments, highlighting the deep social, political, and economic ties between the Somali and Mount Kenya communities.

Similar appeals were made in August 2025 when Gachagua cautioned North-Eastern leaders against implicating the broader Somali community in his disagreements with President William Ruto.

This latest engagement at Wamunyoro reinforces Gachagua’s strategy of broad-based consultations as he prepares for the upcoming polls, positioning the Somali community as a key constituency in his political coalition.