Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed that the Toyota Prado donated to him by members of the Meru community was attacked with stones during the recent Ol Kalou by-election campaign.

Speaking in a Meru-based media interview on July 26, 2026, Gachagua clarified that the Prado is not his personal vehicle but a community-funded campaign car. This donation came after four of his vehicles were damaged following his departure from government.

Community Support After Vehicle Attacks

Gachagua explained that shortly after leaving office, he lost four vehicles due to damage, prompting community members to rally and provide about six vehicles to support his political engagements. He emphasized that he no longer receives a government salary and relies on supporters who believe in his work defending community interests.

“People who support the work I am doing said I have no job and no salary, yet I am working to defend the interests of the community. The community decided to help me because they saw the work was demanding,” he said.

Fundraising Led by Mugambi Imanyara

The Prado was handed over on July 4 in a ceremony organized by Meru lawyer and businessman Mugambi Imanyara. Imanyara coordinated the fundraising effort after being approached by community members aware of his close association with Gachagua.

“He is a good leader. They approached him because many of my relatives live around his area and they know he is my friend. They told him to find me so they could buy the vehicle and hand it over to me,” Gachagua said.

Use of Prado in Political Campaigns

The donated Prado has been integrated into Gachagua’s campaign fleet and was actively used during the Ol Kalou by-election, where it sustained damage from stone attacks.

“That vehicle was in Ol Kalou. It was even hit with stones. It is not my personal vehicle that I move around in every day. It is a vehicle for the work of the community,” he noted.

Political Activities and Security Concerns

Since his impeachment and exit from government, Gachagua has intensified political activities nationwide under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), engaging regions including Mt Kenya, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, and Nairobi. He actively supported the DCP candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election, which was won.

During the campaign, Gachagua alleged intimidation and attacks on his supporters, allegations the government has denied.

Additional Remarks on Tourism

In the same interview, Gachagua defended his controversial call for tourists to delay visits to Kenya, citing the 1988 killing of British wildlife photographer Julie Ward in Maasai Mara. He warned that a major security incident involving foreign visitors could severely harm Kenya’s tourism industry for years.