Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at a resounding political return in January 2025, revealing that he has been in consultations with like-minded individuals in the Mt. Kenya region, strategizing his next political move. Gachagua’s remarks came during a Sunday church service in Murang’a, where he candidly addressed the aftermath of his impeachment and the fallout with President William Ruto. The former DP’s comments signal an imminent shift in his political trajectory, promising a comeback that could reshape the political landscape in the Mt. Kenya region.
Gachagua has long been a vocal critic of Ruto, and his impeachment has only intensified his opposition to the government. The former deputy president suggested that Ruto’s alleged role in supporting his ouster had exposed the President’s true nature. This, according to Gachagua, has given him the clarity he needs to re-strategize and form alliances that will fortify his political standing moving forward.
In his address, Gachagua stated, “We as the Mt. Kenya people hate two things: lies and betrayal.” He made it clear that the upcoming talks in January will shape the region’s political direction. “This coming January after the talks, we will announce the next direction. Never again shall we find ourselves in the hole we are in,” Gachagua said. His words reflect the frustration within the Mt. Kenya region, where there has been growing discontent with Ruto’s administration.
Gachagua’s comments also reflected a sense of betrayal, claiming that the fallout with Ruto has now provided a clearer understanding of the President’s true intentions. He told the congregation, “President Ruto, my friend, did a good thing to bring this fight against me and the people of the mountain because now we know him. Now we understand you (Ruto) and we will address you as we know you and who you are.” This is a clear indication that Gachagua’s political comeback will be driven by a personal and collective sense of betrayal, as he believes the events of the past few months have exposed Ruto’s character.
The former Deputy President has not been silent since his impeachment. He has maintained that his removal was not based on any personal shortcomings but rather on his opposition to several government decisions. Gachagua has also been outspoken about the government’s policies, particularly criticizing the Finance Bill 2024, which he opposed in Cabinet. He pointed out that, while the President had defended the bill by claiming that the government was doing what was right rather than popular, a majority of Kenyans had expressed their disapproval. “The president said no, you do not have to do what is popular, you do what is right. I said ‘that is okay,’ but a majority of Kenyans are saying it is not right,” Gachagua added.
Gachagua’s criticism extends beyond the government’s policies to the treatment of religious leaders. During a Sunday service in Kajiado County, he warned the government that it risked repeating the mistakes of former President Daniel Arap Moi, who he accused of oppressing and humiliating religious leaders. His remarks come amid claims that the current administration is ignoring or dismissing the concerns of the clergy, a group that has historically played a significant role in Kenya’s political and social landscape.
Additionally, Gachagua has accused the government of harassment and intimidation. He claims that security agents in unmarked cars have been monitoring his movements, trailing him to his homes in Nairobi and Nyeri. Despite his accusations, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed these claims, stating that they were a misrepresentation of the agency’s actions.
As Gachagua sets his sights on a political comeback, his rhetoric underscores a desire to reclaim his influence in Mt. Kenya and beyond. With talks about his political future set to intensify in the coming months, it remains to be seen whether he will succeed in rallying the support needed to challenge Ruto’s hold on power. Regardless, Gachagua’s narrative of betrayal and opposition is likely to shape the political discourse leading into 2025.
