Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directly confronted President William Ruto, urging him to rein in his political allies in a fiery address that turned the requiem service of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho into a stage for an escalating Mt Kenya fallout.
Speaking before thousands of mourners in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County—where he shared a platform with the President for the first time since their political split—Gachagua accused Ruto’s close allies of fueling division and disrespecting the Mt Kenya community.
“Mr President, I told you before we parted ways, to tame those guys you walk with and warned you that one day they will dump you into a ditch. I warned you".
In a thinly veiled attack on Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, Gachagua accused the President’s ally of betrayal and hypocrisy.
“Mr President, the people who would have faced it rough if they were invited to speak here are the likes of Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa because they are sellouts of our community,” he said.
“They are people who have insulted the community, branding us as tribal yet they are from the same Kikuyu community.”
Gachagua said he had warned the President about the political consequences of surrounding himself with such leaders.
“I advised you Mr President that the people from Mt Kenya region dislike betrayal. I told you that betrayal is not forgiven among our people but you chose to listen to Kimani Ichung'wah and now, this community has disowned you.” he said.
“Ichung'wah told you that Rigathi would be forgotten two weeks after his impeachment. How many years have passed after that impeachment?” the former DP posed.
Despite the sharp criticism, Gachagua struck a conciliatory tone, calling on the President to rebuild ties with the region.
“Mr President, I request you my brother, seek peace with this community. Don’t listen to these children. They are dumping you into a ditch,” he said.
“When you publicly declare us as tribal, you really hurt our hearts. When you go to other communities, don’t brand us as tribal. Going forward, don’t abuse our community. Let us be.”
“It is true, you kicked me out of office. But removing me from the hearts of these people will be an uphill task.” Gachagua added.
The former Deputy President, who received a thunderous welcome and standing ovation, also took a swipe at Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki—whose presence he pointedly did not acknowledge at the start of his speech.
“Prof Kindiki, you have made a very big mistake while addressing people in Tharaka Nithi where you talked about the by-election for Ol Kalou parliamentary seat before the burial of MP Kiaraho,” he said.
“That is against the culture and custom of our community in Mt Kenya. We don't discuss inheriting somebody until he is buried. On that part, Professor, you have slipped, but you will rectify.”
Gachagua urged restraint among his supporters amid rising political tensions.
“I am urging our community to remain peaceful. Never allow to be given money to fight your neighbor,” he said.
He also used the moment to honour the late Kiaraho, linking his legacy to loyalty during his impeachment.
“During my impeachment as Deputy President, the late Kiaraho declined to be intimidated and bribed to betray and punish one of their own. The others accepted to receive bribes and betray their community. He was a man who could not betray his brother and his community. We have lost a great leader.” Gachagua said.
“My people and I have come in peace. And I am sure that Mr President, you and your people have also come in peace.”
