Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi (left) and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua/FILE
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have renewed their political exchanges following the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with each taking aim at the other's leadership and influence in Mt Kenya politics.
The latest verbal sparring comes days after DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru won the Ol Kalou seat in a closely watched contest that both the opposition and Kenya Kwanza viewed as politically significant.
In a short clip shared on his social media pages, Sudi responded to remarks by Gachagua that appeared to make light of his educational attainment.
"My quarter term, you said someone who reached Standard Two cannot advise you. When you were desperate, who was advising you if not that Standard Two person?" Sudi said.
"He may even have reached Standard One, but he helped you become Deputy President."
The UDA lawmaker further argued that Gachagua's removal from office was a result of his own conduct.
Sudi also cautioned Mt Kenya residents against making political decisions based solely on recent electoral victories, saying one by-election should not be interpreted as a broader political trend.
"You have won one seat, and you are everywhere in the media. What if you win two or three?" he posed.
"I have told the people of Mt Kenya they can applaud you, but they should think carefully."
While hosting a luncheon at his Wamunyoro residence in honour of Ol Kalou MP-elect and members of his campaign team, Gachagua had questioned Sudi's remarks, saying leaders should respect the intelligence of Mt Kenya residents.
"I have seen that Standard Two person trying to guide this community," Gachagua said.
"He wants to tell the people of Mt Kenya not to follow Riggy G. Do you want to advise these people?"
The luncheon brought together campaign teams, polling agents, volunteers, DCP leaders and allied Members of Parliament who took part in Waweru's successful campaign.
Gachagua thanked the campaign teams and party supporters for what he described as their commitment and dedication throughout the by-election campaign.
The exchange is the latest in a series of public confrontations between leaders allied to President William Ruto and those aligned to Gachagua following his exit from government and the formation of the DCP party.
The Ol Kalou by-election has intensified political competition between the two camps, with both sides portraying the outcome as significant ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite the continued exchanges, leaders from both camps have maintained that they are preparing to strengthen their political support bases as the country moves closer to the next election.
