Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of disrespecting the presidency and failing to heed the concerns of the Kenyan people. Speaking on Monday during the funeral of Mzee William Nderitu Ngatia, father to Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, Gachagua lamented what he termed as divisive politics and insults emanating from Ruto’s leadership.
“Mr. President, you are demeaning the presidency. The presidency is the symbol of national unity, a dignified office. When you resort to abuses and insults, abusing the people of Kenya yet you are a president, you are demeaning that office,” Gachagua stated.
The former DP, who has been vocal in his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration since his removal from office, revealed that he had previously advised Ruto against certain unpopular decisions, including the controversial financial policies and political realignments in the Mt. Kenya region.
“I told you not to touch the mountain. You touched. You know what has happened. I told you not to touch the payslip, you touched it and you know what has happened,” he added, referring to the widespread discontent following the government’s recent tax policies and economic decisions.
The funeral service turned into a political battleground, with leaders from both factions engaging in heated exchanges. Some mourners and leaders allied to Gachagua expressed their dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government, accusing it of betrayal and failing to deliver on its promises. The event saw some leaders being shouted down for their perceived role in Gachagua’s removal from the deputy presidency.
Nyahururu Catholic Bishop, who presided over the ceremony, urged politicians to remain truthful and champion the interests of the people without bias. His message was seen as a call for unity amid growing tensions within the ruling coalition.
On the other hand, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri led a group of MPs allied to President Ruto in affirming their commitment to supporting the government’s agenda. They argued that the administration should be given time to fulfill its pre-election pledges to Kenyans. However, their stance was met with strong opposition from Gachagua’s allies, who dismissed them as sycophants prioritizing political survival over the welfare of the people.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also weighed in, condemning what he described as a deliberate plan to purge Mt. Kenya leaders from senior government positions, including Chief Justice Martha Koome. He called on the region’s residents to identify and reject leaders who have failed to advocate for their interests.
The growing political rift signals deeper challenges within the ruling coalition, with Gachagua’s latest remarks hinting at further confrontations in the coming months. As the political landscape continues to shift, the battle for Mt. Kenya’s support remains a critical factor in Kenya’s evolving governance dynamics.
