By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 05, 2026 - The Kenya Reform Party (KRP) has sensationally claimed that allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua approached the party with an offer of KSh5 million to take over its leadership ahead of his impeachment, an allegation that has opened a fresh political battle in the Mt Kenya region.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, KRP National Chairman Munene Kahiro accused Gachagua of unfairly attacking the party and attempting to portray it as an extension of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kahiro insisted that KRP is an independent political outfit with its own ideology, leadership and political agenda, dismissing claims that it is aligned to President William Ruto's party.
"Let me state clearly and without ambiguity that KRP is an independent political party with its own identity, vision, leadership and ideology. KRP has never been a project, affiliate or extension of UDA or any other political party," Kahiro said.
The party chairman further reminded Gachagua that KRP was among the founding members of the Azimio coalition and accused the former Deputy President of attempting to damage the party's reputation through what he termed as misleading political claims.
But it is Kahiro's revelation about an alleged attempt to acquire the party that is likely to trigger fresh political debate.
According to the KRP chairman, several prominent leaders from the Mt Kenya region approached the party on behalf of Gachagua during the period leading to his impeachment and proposed a takeover arrangement.
"For the record, during the period leading up to your impeachment as Deputy President, prominent leaders from the Mt Kenya region approached KRP on your behalf with a proposal to take over the party. The offer reportedly involved KSh5 million," Kahiro claimed.
He said the party rejected the proposal, insisting that KRP was not available for purchase and would continue to operate independently.
"KRP firmly rejected that proposal because our party is not for sale and remains committed to its founding principles and independence," he said.
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The statement appeared to suggest that the alleged rejection could be behind the strained relationship between Gachagua and the party.
Kahiro accused the former Deputy President of directing political attacks at KRP because it declined to surrender its independence, urging him to embrace political tolerance and respect the decisions of other political parties.
"We therefore find it unfortunate that KRP is now being subjected to attacks simply because it chose to remain independent. Political differences should never be turned into personal attacks," he said.
The party has now demanded a public apology from Gachagua within seven days over remarks it says have damaged its image and reputation.
"We are demanding a public apology from Mr Gachagua within seven days for remarks that have unfairly portrayed and damaged the image of the Kenya Reform Party," the statement said.
KRP also defended former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, saying he is free to pursue his political ambitions through any political party of his choice and should not be used as a basis for attacking the party.
The party maintained that its focus remains on job creation, industrialisation, economic empowerment, good governance and devolution, insisting that it will not be distracted by political feuds.
As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 General Election, the latest exchange underscores the growing competition among political formations seeking influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been working to consolidate support following his fallout with President Ruto's administration.
KRP called on political leaders to embrace issue-based politics and national unity, arguing that Kenyans expect solutions to economic challenges rather than endless political confrontations.
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