- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua hinted at the possibility of ending political hostilities with President William Ruto during the funeral service in Ol Kalou
- He accused Ruto of alienating Mt Kenya voters by teaming up with “traitors” linked to his ouster, naming MP Kimani Ichung’wah as the leader of the group
- Gachagua asked Ruto to mend the relationship with the community, warning that his current allies are misleading him towards the 2027 election and could cost him
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has suggested the possibility of ending hostilities between him and President William Ruto.
Source: Twitter
Despite succeeding in winning the presidency in 2022, the two leaders fell out two years later, with their conflict culminating in the ousting of Gachagua in October 2024.
Since then, Gachagua has launched a political attack against Ruto, campaigning against him in Mount Kenya and vowing to remove him from power in the 2027 general election.
The two leaders met for the first time on Wednesday, April 7, when they attended the funeral service of the former Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou, the late David Kiaraho, at Ol Kalou Stadium, Nyandarua County.
How Rigathi Gachagua talked about Ruto in Ol Kalou
Gachagua was given a chance to speak to the mourners, which he used to address his issues with Ruto.
Having appeared to reduce his harshness and arrogance against Ruto, Gachagua seemed to indicate that he is ready for political reconciliation before 2027.
Gachagua suggested that Ruto has fallen out with Mt Kenya voters mainly because he decided to collaborate with those he called traitors to the community, who were also involved in his ouster.
Many times, the DCP leader mentioned the Kikuyu Member of Parliament, Kimani Ichung’wah, accusing him of leading a group of traitors who he said had misled the president and made him lose popularity in Mount Kenya.
According to Gachagua, it was such leaders who caused the president to clash with Mount Kenya.
“I advised you and told you that the people of Mount Kenya do not like betrayal. You are not forgiven among our people. You chose to listen to Kimani Ichung’wah, now these people have turned against you. They told you I would be forgotten in two weeks, now it has been two years,” he said.
But later he suggested that there is still hope for the president in Central Kenya, if only he does what he, Gachagua, thinks is right.
Source: Twitter
What should President William Ruto do to gain the trust of Mount Kenya?
Keeping his position as a reliable leader of Mount Kenya, Gachagua said Ruto still has a chance with the people of Mount Kenya if he chooses to listen to him and avoid other leaders he described as inexperienced, with Ichung’wah in the forefront.
“I would like to ask you, my brother, please, find peace with this community. Find friendship with this community. Do not follow the advice of people like Ichung’wah. They will mislead you. When we elected you, you were not called Kikuyu, why do you call us tribesmen? You are hurting us. From today, do not insult us. Do not slander us, let us be. We can work with you, but the people you walk with are misleading you,” he said.
Why Gachagua warned against ‘Wantam’ statements
Initially, Gachagua prevented his followers from shouting “Wantam” against the president, insisting that the event required respect for the head of state, who attended in good faith.
He urged the community to respect Ruto and the event with the dignity it deserves, even as he continues to maintain his political differences.
Gachagua denied earlier predictions of possible violence at the funeral, insisting that he has no personal grudge against Ruto.
However, he warned that he will not allow leaders like Ichung’wah to be given the opportunity to speak and misuse it to insult.
Gachagua was not the only leader of the Opposition who ever showed interest in approaching Ruto.
Who else wanted to work with Ruto?
Last November, the leader of DAP-K Eugene Malwa he indicated that he might consider joining Ruto’s side if invited, although only with other leaders of the Opposition.
Reports indicated that the president’s team was attracting both Malwa and the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyokato strengthen his side (Ruto) towards 2027.
While Wamalwa appeared open to the idea, Kalonzo vehemently rejected it, dismissing the talks as a diversion and citing concerns about government brutality, excessive taxation, and the high cost of living.
Deputy President Kithur Kindiki he has been speaking openly in efforts to convince Kalonzo.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
