MP Betty Maina
A bitter political fallout is unfolding in the Mt Kenya region after Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua traded sharp accusations over the recent Ol Kalou by-election chaos.
The row stems from remarks by Gachagua, who, in a press briefing and subsequent media appearances, accused Maina of being part of a group of leaders allegedly linked to violence and voter interference during the hotly contested poll.
Gachagua directly named Maina among politicians he claimed were working with state machinery to influence the outcome of the by-election.
“I want to tell the people of this region the truth. There are leaders, including Betty Maina, who are working with rogue police units to intimidate voters and interfere with the democratic process,” Gachagua said.
He further alleged that the disruption began after it became apparent that his political camp was gaining ground, claiming the intent was to overturn the will of the electorate.
“When they realised we were winning, they unleashed goons, ejected our agents and attempted to manipulate the results. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The former deputy president also expressed outrage at what he termed betrayal from within the region, saying it was “shameful” for local leaders to turn against their own people.
“It is painful and shameful that some of our own leaders can brutalise this community for political gain,” he added.
But Maina has hit back forcefully, dismissing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
In a response, she accused Gachagua of dragging her name into his narrative to remain politically relevant.
“Keep my name out of your mouth. You are busy with your usual cheap propaganda claiming I have fallen out with the President and that I am blackmailing him,” Maina said.
She rejected any suggestion of aligning with Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), maintaining she would rather lose her seat than join his political outfit.
“You are not an option. If it will cost me my position, so be it,” she said.
The Murang’a legislator also took aim at Gachagua’s growing influence in Mt Kenya, insisting she would not bow to his pressure.
“Even if everyone else bows before you, Betty will not. You are not a god in this mountain,” she said.
The escalating exchange lays bare widening cracks within Mt Kenya’s political leadership, with rival camps now openly contesting control of the region’s narrative ahead of future national battles.