NAIVASHA, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Mt Kenya residents to be wary of President William Ruto’s generous financial handouts, alleging that the money is meant to buy public trust rather than address the region’s concerns.
Speaking in Naivasha on Saturday, Gachagua claimed that Ruto would spare no expense in a bid to regain support in the vote-rich region.
He urged residents to take the money but refrain from bringing it home, describing it as “cursed.”
“Don’t worry. Get ready, money is coming in bags. Take it, but don’t go home with it; it is cursed. Eat that money at the market. Do not mix it with the money you already have. If you have a loan with a shylock, use that money to pay it off,” he said.
The former DP also advised locals to demand a hefty price for their participation in the government’s mobilisation efforts to ensure Ruto receives a warm welcome.
“If you are going to listen to lies, ask for a hefty price because lies are a bad thing. Don’t accept Ksh.200, listening to lies starts from Ksh.3,000. Women ululating is worth Ksh.10,000, clapping is Ksh.2,000, and laughing is Ksh.5,000,” Gachagua stated.
He further mocked the administration, telling President Ruto to “get his finances in order” for the visit.
Once seen as the political leader of the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua has become one of Ruto’s fiercest critics since his impeachment as Deputy President.
He and his allies have consistently accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to address the country’s economic struggles.
The upcoming tour marks Ruto’s first visit to Mt Kenya in six months, a critical engagement as he seeks to reassert his influence.
The president is scheduled to tour the region from Tuesday, April 1, starting in Laikipia and Nyeri Counties before concluding in Tharaka Nithi on Friday, April 4.
Ahead of the visit, pro-government Mt Kenya leaders have been deployed to mobilise support and ensure a grand reception.
During the 2022 elections, Ruto secured 3.5 million out of the 7.1 million votes cast in Mt Kenya, making the region a key political battleground as he prepares for the 2027 elections.
