Nyeri senator Wamatinga issues 48-hour ultimatum to Gachagua for apology
Nyeri County Senator Wahome Wamatinga, on Friday, March 7, 2025, issued a demand letter to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, giving him 48 hours to apologize or face legal action over what he termed as defamatory statements.
According to Senator Wamatinga, Gachagua made remarks in Machakos County on March 2, 2025, which he considers defamatory and damaging to his integrity.
He asserts that Gachagua’s statements portrayed him as a dishonest and corrupt individual who benefits from illicit dealings.
Through his lawyer, Wycliffe Nyabuto, Wamatinga argues that the statements further suggest he is incapable of performing his duties as a senator truthfully and honestly.
“Our client takes issue with your defamatory statements and vehemently denies ever being bribed to vote against you during the Senate impeachment trial,” reads part of the letter.
Wamatinga also refuted claims that he was approached or offered Ksh10 million, as claimed by the former DP.
The demand letter warns that if Gachagua does not comply by the close of business on March 9, 2025, the matter will be escalated to court.
“Take note that if we do not receive compliance with the terms in this demand notice by close of business on March 9, 2025, our instructions are to move to court to protect our client’s interests without further notice,” the notice states.
Additionally, the notice highlights that Gachagua’s remarks were electronically recorded and widely circulated through mainstream media and social media platforms, reaching an international audience.
“The distribution of these defamatory statements against our client has extended beyond Kenya due to your significant online following,” the letter states.
Wamatinga contends that the misleading statements were intended to cause him extreme embarrassment and reputational damage.
“The defamatory statements made against our client, which we believe you knew were false, have severely damaged his reputation and lowered his social and political standing,” the letter adds.
