Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has criticised former deputy president and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua after he hosted a delegation of opinion leaders from the South Rift at his Wamunyoro residence on Wednesday, July 15.

Wamumbi argued that the meeting exposed what he described as double standards in Mount Kenya politics, saying leaders who engage with President William Ruto are often condemned while those meeting Gachagua from other regions face no similar criticism.

According to the MP, politicians allied to the President have previously been branded with derogatory names and accused of pursuing personal interests whenever they meet Ruto.

He contrasted this with the reception given to the Kalenjin delegation that visited Gachagua, saying the visitors were free to make their own political choices without public attacks from their community.

Wamumbi further stated that President Ruto would respect the political decision of the 224 delegates, whom he said arrived in 16 matatus carrying 14 people each, and would not insult them for engaging with a political rival.

He urged leaders in the Mount Kenya region to embrace the same level of political tolerance and allow people to associate freely without intimidation or name-calling.

The South Rift delegation, drawn from the Kipsigis community in Nakuru, Bomet, Narok and Kericho counties, met Gachagua to discuss political and development concerns.During the meeting, Gachagua pledged to work together with them to prevent President Ruto from winning a second term.

The delegates also raised concerns over alleged land grabbing and claimed that their region had been sidelined in key infrastructure development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.