'Family First': Gachagua Courts Coast Leaders, Alleges Port Grab and Vows to Back Mijikenda 'Liberation'

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his nationwide political consultations after holding a high-profile meeting with leaders from the Mijikenda community in the Coast region, where he accused the government of marginalising locals and pledged solidarity in what he described as a struggle to restore their dignity.

In a statement shared after the meeting, Gachagua said he temporarily suspended his ongoing political consultations at his Wamunyoro residence to attend what he termed "urgent family matters" at the Coast.

Describing the Mijikenda community as his "cousins," Gachagua said he met leaders representing the Digo, Giriama, Duruma, Rabai, Chonyi, Kauma, Kambe, Jibana, and Ribe communities under the leadership of their spokesman, Hon. Chirau Ali Makwere.

According to the former deputy president, Coast residents raised concerns over what they described as economic exclusion, alleged land grabbing, unemployment, and the management of key public resources.

Gachagua claimed that the Port of Mombasa, which he described as the region's economic lifeline, is being "sold to foreigners, top Kenyan political leaders, political brokers and the oligarchy." He further alleged that employment opportunities at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had been taken over by individuals linked to President William Ruto's administration, claims for which he did not provide evidence.

He also alleged that valuable mineral resources, including deposits at Mrima Hills, had been handed over to foreign interests without benefiting local communities. Additionally, Gachagua claimed that ranches belonging to Coast residents were being forcefully taken over and that locals were facing intimidation.

The former deputy president further made allegations linking a Cabinet member to drug trafficking and accused state agencies of targeting young people in the region. These claims have not been substantiated, and the government has previously denied similar accusations.

Gachagua said the Mijikenda leaders expressed their determination to unite and seek what he termed the liberation of their community, insisting they would no longer rely on political intermediaries to negotiate with the national government.

He pledged support from what he described as a broad national coalition comprising leaders and communities from the Mt. Kenya region, Western Kenya, Lower Eastern, Nyanza, and Kisii.

"Together, we shall prevail. As a family, we have a shared responsibility of unity," Gachagua said, while congratulating former Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi and Hon. Moses Nzoro for what he described as standing with their people.

The remarks come as Gachagua continues to hold a series of political consultations across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with his engagements increasingly focusing on opposition unity and regional mobilisation.

The government has not publicly responded to the latest allegations made by the former deputy president.