Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized voters in North Imenti, Meru, for electing MP Rahim Dawood, describing the decision as a disgrace to the community.
Speaking at a rally in Meru, Gachagua expressed disappointment that the constituency, which has a population exceeding 100,000, chose Dawood, who is of Indian descent, over a local Meru leader. He accused Dawood of betraying the community by supporting efforts to remove him from the deputy presidency, with President William Ruto allegedly directing Dawood's actions.
"Here in North Imenti, we have greatly embarrassed ourselves by electing Rahim, a traitor to our community," Gachagua said. He challenged the crowd to reconsider whether Dawood deserved to represent them in Parliament and questioned why the Meru community had failed to elect one of its own despite having many capable leaders.
Gachagua further questioned the community's leadership choices, rhetorically asking if Meru mothers were unable to produce suitable leaders. He emphasized his personal desire for his MP to be a fellow Meru resident and urged the community to support local leadership moving forward.
In addition to addressing local politics, Gachagua used the rally to launch Operation Fagia, a campaign aimed at removing President William Ruto and his allies from power across Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. The operation targets multiple counties including Nakuru, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang'a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru.
Gachagua cited the recent defeat of the ruling UDA party in the Ol Kalou by-election as an indicator of the potential success of his campaign.
