"Wameniambia kuja": Gachagua reveals plans to visit Homa Bay

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at visiting Homa Bay after violent disruptions of Linda Mwananchi rallies in the county

- Gachagua claimed Homa Bay residents had invited him and would independently decide their political direction

- The former deputy president also made fresh claims about suspected goons and the alleged release of seven people arrested before the rallies

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at plans to visit Homa Bay County days after Linda Mwananchi rallies in the region were disrupted by violence that reportedly left at least two people dead.

Speaking at his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua claimed residents of Homa Bay had invited him to visit the county, signalling that he could soon make an appearance in the region despite the recent unrest.

The former deputy president said members of the Luo community could not be directed by their political leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma, whom he said are working with President William Ruto's administration.

Will Gachagua visit Homa Bay county?

Gachagua argued that residents were capable of independently determining their political choices and deciding which leaders they wanted to support.

“The Luo community will make independent decisions. They will listen to everybody. They have even told me, ‘Riggy G, come, we will listen to you,’” he said.

Gachagua further claimed that Wanga and other leaders allied to Ruto had repeatedly attempted to influence the community against him.

He also said residents had rejected attempts to portray him as an opponent of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, popularly known as Baba.

“Wanga and other leaders have tried telling them that Riggy G is their enemy, but they have said 'No, Riggy G is not our enemy. He has never stood against Baba,'” he said.

What did Gachagua say about Linda Mwananchi violence?

The remarks came days after planned Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay were disrupted by suspected goons, with the incidents triggering concerns over political violence in the county.

Gachagua condemned the violence and accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of attempting to force residents to support Ruto politically.

He further claimed that the disruption was allegedly linked to a group in Homa Bay known as the Hammer Boys.

According to Gachagua, security agencies had received intelligence that the group was planning to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally, leading to the arrest of seven alleged members several days before the event.

However, he claimed the suspects were later released following what he described as “calls from above”.

Gachagua did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations concerning the group or the alleged intervention in their release.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.