By Nyanza Wire 
DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday said he would not publicly defend Raphael Tuju over the challenges he is currently facing, arguing that leaders from Tuju’s community remained silent when businesses owned by Kikuyus were allegedly targeted in parts of Nairobi.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Kirathani Grounds in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County, Gachagua said he had chosen to focus his political energy on issues affecting the Kikuyu community rather than intervening in Tuju’s situation.
Gachagua claimed that during incidents in areas such as Githurai and Roysambu where some Kikuyu-owned businesses were reportedly demolished or disrupted, several leaders from the Luo community did not publicly speak out or show solidarity. According to him, that silence makes it difficult for him to now take up Tuju’s cause.
The former deputy president said leaders should expect reciprocity in moments of political or economic pressure, arguing that communities should support each other when facing challenges. In his remarks, he suggested that Tuju should seek assistance from leaders within his own political circles, including Oburu Odinga, rather than expecting him to intervene.
Tuju has recently been facing a number of legal and financial challenges related to long-running disputes involving loans and property linked to companies associated with him. The disputes have led to court battles with creditors and attempts by lenders to recover debts tied to collateral assets, including high-value properties.
The developments have sparked political debate, with some leaders calling for solidarity and fairness while others argue that the matter is purely a legal and commercial dispute.
However, Gachagua’s remarks indicate that he views the issue through a political and community lens, maintaining that his priority remains addressing the concerns of his political base.
His comments are likely to fuel further debate about ethnic solidarity and political alliances as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 political season.
Walter Akillah