Gachagua Tells Mt Kenya Families to Have Six Children, Promises Free Education if Elected President in 2027

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has once again stirred debate after calling on families in the Mt Kenya region to consider having at least six children, saying population strength will play a major role in shaping the region’s political influence in the coming years.

Gachagua made the remarks while speaking at a traditional dowry ceremony in Kiambu County, where local leaders, elders, and residents had gathered for the celebration. 

Addressing the crowd, the former Deputy President said the future of the region depends on unity and numbers.

“Our future is in our unity and our population,” Gachagua told the audience. 

“As your community leader, I am asking families to seriously think about having six children. We should not fear building large families because our people are hardworking and capable of raising them.”

He assured residents that economic challenges should not discourage them, arguing that better policies could ease the burden on families. 

Gachagua promised that if elected president in the 2027 General Election, his government would prioritize social programs aimed at supporting parents and children.

“If you give me the mandate to lead this country,” he said, “I will restore free primary and secondary education and restructure higher education funding so that every deserving child can access learning. I will also bring back programs that support mothers, so giving birth and raising children becomes less expensive.”

Gachagua also spoke about healthcare, saying maternal services would be strengthened to ensure safe deliveries and better care for mothers. 

According to him, investing in families would help the country build a stronger and more productive population.

During his speech, he used light humor to emphasize his message, drawing laughter from the crowd. 

“I want to come back here in a few years and see evidence that you listened,” he said. “Let this region grow, and let us prepare the next generation that will shape Kenya’s future.”

The remarks have generated mixed reactions among political observers and residents. Some leaders from the region have supported the idea, saying population growth could strengthen the community’s bargaining power in national politics. 

Others, however, argue that economic realities such as the cost of living, employment, and housing should be carefully considered before encouraging larger families.

Political analysts say the comments reflect broader discussions taking place in several regions of the country about demographics and political representation. 

One analyst noted, “Leaders often link population to political influence, but the challenge is balancing that with economic planning and social services.”