A memorial service for the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County turned into a political battleground, as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto publicly confronted each other for the first time since Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.
Taking to the podium on Wednesday, Gachagua launched a blistering attack on his former boss, accusing him of betrayal, poor political judgment, and alienating the Mt Kenya region through misguided advice from close allies.
In a fiery address, Gachagua claimed the president had surrounded himself with “children” whose counsel had cost him support in the vote-rich region. He singled out Kimani Ichung’wah, accusing him of misleading Ruto and contributing to the fallout with Mt Kenya voters.
Gachagua warned that betrayal carries lasting consequences within the community, insisting he had previously cautioned the president against trusting such allies. He urged Ruto to mend relations with the region and avoid branding its people as tribal, maintaining that cooperation with the government remains possible if divisive influences are removed.
Despite his impeachment, Gachagua asserted that his political influence in Mt Kenya remains intact and cannot be diminished. He likened attempts to erase his support base to “cutting a Mugumo tree with a razor blade,” emphasizing the depth of his connection with the community.
He also issued a warning ahead of a planned political visit to Kikuyu, alleging that gangs had been mobilised to cause violence, destroy property, and intimidate residents. Gachagua called on Ichung’wah to halt such actions.
The former deputy president further criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing him of repeatedly allowing discussions about him in Parliament without following proper procedures.
He argued that any debate concerning him should be introduced through a substantive motion in line with Standing Order 51.
Gachagua Urges Respect for Uhuru Kenyatta
In a separate appeal, Gachagua called for respect toward former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging political leaders and their supporters to refrain from personal attacks against the retired head of state.
“We humbly ask the president that even if your people have issues with our community and me, let them refrain from criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru Kenyatta is retired and should be given space to rest. He served visibly, and we ask that he be accorded respect,” Gachagua said.
He expressed concern over public criticism directed at Kenyatta, particularly in Nyanza, and stressed the need for dignity when addressing former leaders.
“I have observed that some supporters from the broad-based arrangement have directed remarks at Uhuru Kenyatta in Nyanza. Let them stop,” he added.
Gachagua also reiterated his stance on political decorum, noting that while he had previously called for respect toward President Ruto, the same courtesy should be extended across the political divide.
“I said the other week that President Ruto should be respected. If he goes anywhere, let him be listened to; after he has spoken, he shall leave,” he said.
He further urged Kenyans to channel dissatisfaction through the ballot box rather than public heckling.
Ruto responds
President Ruto, speaking at the same event, responded by defending his relationship with the Mt Kenya region and dismissing claims that it had been weakened by political disputes. He emphasized that his ties with the region were built over many years and could not be easily broken.
Ruto reminded attendees of the support he received from Mt Kenya during the 2022 General Election, insisting he does not take that backing for granted. He maintained that his engagement with the community is longstanding and rooted in mutual understanding.
“I know the people from Mt Kenya voted for me. I understand that, and I am not a mad person or a fool,” he said.
The president also asserted his authority to travel freely across the country without seeking permission from any individual or political faction, pushing back against critics who have sought to challenge his presence in certain regions.
“I am the President of Kenya, and I do not need the permission of anyone to visit any part of the country. I am free to go to any place, and I will not ask for permission from anybody, whoever you are,” Ruto said.
Rather than engaging directly in political confrontation, Ruto said he would respond to his critics through performance and delivery, emphasizing his focus on national unity. He pointed to the formation of a broad-based government as a key step toward fostering cohesion across the country.
“I work hard to unite the country and that is why I formed the broad-based government to bring all Kenyans together,” he said.
The memorial, held in Ol Kalou, brought together leaders from opposing political camps, underscoring the growing divisions within Mt Kenya following Gachagua’s ouster. Tensions were evident throughout the event, with sections of the crowd chanting “One Term” as Speaker Wetang’ula acknowledged leaders in attendance.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the programme proceeded, with leaders paying tribute to Kiaraho, who passed away on March 29, 2026.
