NYANDARUA, Kenya — Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday publicly rebuked President William Ruto, accusing him of unfairly branding the Mt Kenya community as tribal and warning that such remarks risk deepening political divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, Gachagua said the President’s rhetoric had alienated a region that overwhelmingly supported his 2022 presidential bid.
“I told you that Mt Kenya does not love betrayal, which is not forgiven among our people. You chose to listen to Kimani Ichungw’ah; now this community has rejected you,” Gachagua said.
In an emotionally charged address, the former Deputy President urged Ruto to seek reconciliation with the region and refrain from what he termed as derogatory characterisation of its people.
“Mr President, you are my brother. Tafuta amani na hii jamii. Create peace with this community… When you stand on top of a car and call us tribal, it hurts us deeply,” he said. “We are not tribal. We supported you when you were not one of us, and we gave you our votes.”
Gachagua cautioned the Head of State against relying on political allies he claimed were misleading him, suggesting that their influence was widening the rift between the President and Mt Kenya voters.
“We can work with you, but the people you walk with are the problem,” he said.
Despite the sharp criticism, Gachagua struck a measured tone when addressing mourners, urging them to maintain decorum and avoid political chants during the solemn occasion.
“If the President comes on the podium to speak, I do not want to hear you people chanting ‘one term’ because we loved you as the President and we chose you because we loved you and respected you,” he added.
The remarks mark the most direct public confrontation between Gachagua and Ruto since their political fallout in 2025, underscoring growing tensions within the Mt Kenya region, a key political battleground.
In response, President Ruto has in recent days warned against the resurgence of ethnic politics, urging leaders to focus on development and youth empowerment rather than divisive rhetoric.
“How desperate can people be? Let our children be. Let our children learn. Those children are Kenyans, wherever they come from, whatever community they belong to,” Ruto said.
He criticised leaders he accused of exploiting ethnic divisions for political gain, arguing that such approaches undermine national cohesion and distract from critical issues such as employment.
“They are not planning how the youth will get jobs, but how they will rally them to vote… If someone has no agenda, he will sell tribal politics. If he has no plan, he will sell hatred,” the President said.
The exchange highlights the increasingly fraught political landscape in Mt Kenya, where shifting alliances and competing narratives are shaping early positioning ahead of the next election cycle.
As calls for unity grow, the unfolding political tensions underscore the delicate balance between regional interests and the broader goal of national cohesion.
