DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has defended Fred Matiang'i against claims linked to the Ruraka land saga, insisting the former Interior Cabinet Secretary had no role in the disputed payment and is being targeted for political reasons.
Speaking on Saturday, July 11, the former Deputy President claimed the government was reviving the matter to pressure the Jubilee presidential aspirant into abandoning the United Opposition and backing President William Ruto's re-election bid. He described the latest developments as a political witch-hunt and maintained that Matiang'i should not be held responsible.
Gachagua argued that responsibility for the controversial land payment rests with the Principal Secretary, who serves as the ministry's accounting officer, and not the Cabinet Secretary. He said those who handled the payment should be the ones facing legal action.
"The court ruled that the payment of the land was made in contravention of the law, and those responsible should be charged. They are now trying to threaten Fred Matiang'i, but he was not involved in the payments.
"The person who pays is the PS, who is the accounting officer, and at the time, it was Belio Kipsang. So, Ruto, if there is anyone who should be arrested and arraigned in court, it is Kipsang. The Cabinet Secretary is in charge of policy," he stated.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader urged Matiang'i not to bow to what he termed intimidation, saying the opposition would stand firmly behind him if the government proceeds to arraign him in court. He added that he was ready to mobilise the Mount Kenya region to support the former Interior CS if charges are brought against him.
"I would like to tell my brother Matiang'i not to be intimidated because we will stand with you. If they come after you, I will mobilise the people of the Mountain to stand with you.
"We don't want you to intimidate Matiang'i so that he goes back to Kasongo. I told Matiang'i that in the unfortunate event that he yields, he will go alone because the people will abandon you," Gachagua stated.
Gachagua further claimed he had also faced attempts to intimidate him but remained steadfast, insisting that efforts to weaken the United Opposition would not succeed.
He also revealed that he has been consulting former President Uhuru Kenyatta and plans to meet him once he concludes his consultation forums before making a final decision on the opposition's next political steps.
"Uhuru and I are like peas in a pod, and when I am done with my consultation fora, I will have a sit-down with him before I make a final decision on the way forward. I will ask him for his advice because he once warned us, but we ignored him," Gachagua noted.
The former Deputy President also maintained that the Mount Kenya region would vote as one in the 2027 General Election. He said leaders who, in the region's view, betrayed its interests, including President Ruto, would face voters at the ballot.