Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has received a new Toyota Prado from businessman and lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, boosting his nationwide political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The black vehicle was handed over during a brief ceremony on Sunday, where a pastor blessed it before Gachagua officially received the keys.
"May Almighty God bless this gift in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," the pastor said during the dedication.
Imanyara said the Prado was a gift from the people of Meru to support Gachagua's extensive political tours across the country.
"Your Excellency, this is a gift from the Meru people. They have taken cognisance of your requirement for mobility as you traverse the country," he said.
He added that the donation was also prompted by an earlier incident in which some of Gachagua's vehicles were damaged.
"They are ready, willing and able to stand with you wherever you go," Imanyara said as he handed over the keys to Gachagua, who thanked the donors before boarding the vehicle.
The Prado now joins the fleet used by the former Deputy President as he intensifies public engagements aimed at consolidating support ahead of the next General Election.
Built on a traditional heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, the J150 series is engineered to withstand decades of demanding use.
TopGear South Africa, in an in-depth review of the car, describes it as an "unbreakable, robust product while still feeling quite larny at the same time."
This balance, they write, makes it the ideal tool for local politicians who must project status while enduring punishing road conditions.
This sentiment is shared by automotive review platform ReDriven, which praised the SUV for its "bulletproof reliability and build quality," adding that it possesses an incredible "ability to take you and your loved ones just about anywhere."
Depending on the specific market configuration, the post-2016 Prado comes with several robust engine options.
The most prominent is the efficient 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which replaced the older 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV unit.
For petrol variants, the J150 is powered by either the reliable 2.7-litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder or the muscular 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 engine.
Above everything else, many reviewers hail the Prado's high ground clearance and advanced full-time four-wheel-drive system, which allow it to manoeuvre off-road effortlessly.
Inside, the Prado offers a commanding, high-riding cabin layout that prioritises functional luxury and driver visibility.
While the Japanese SUV prioritises lasting production quality over ultra-modern aesthetics, the cabin remains highly spacious, boasting premium seating configurations and an adaptive suspension system that absorbs severe road vibrations to keep high-profile occupants insulated from external fatigue.
In the Kenyan automotive market, this particular generation of the Prado retains its value exceptionally well, commanding premium prices even as a pre-owned asset.
Clean, foreign-used, or well-maintained local examples of the 2016 to 2018 models typically retail between Sh4.5 million and Sh8 million, depending strictly on the specific trim level, mileage, engine type, among other factors.
Since leaving government, Gachagua has embarked on a series of political rallies and consultative meetings across the country, bringing together leaders aligned with his political agenda.
His tours have covered the Mt Kenya region, as well as parts of Western, Rift Valley, Coast, Eastern and Nairobi, where he has met residents, religious leaders, business groups and local politicians.
The mobilisation campaign has also brought him closer to opposition leaders, who have increasingly shared platforms with him during rallies and consultative forums.
The leaders say they are working towards forming a united political front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has repeatedly said the consultations are aimed at building a broad alliance that will field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto.
The donation comes as Gachagua steps up nationwide engagements, with more political meetings expected in the coming months.
Photos: Courtesy, Autoevolution