In a fiery and emotionally charged address at his Wamunyoro residence on Sunday, May 4, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating public insults against retired President Uhuru Kenyatta through his political allies.
Rigathi Gachagua did not mince his words as he directly named Ruto’s close confidants—Farouk Kibet and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah—as the messengers of disrespect. According to Gachagua, these figures have been repeatedly deployed to ridicule and demean the former head of state in public forums across the country.
“Ruto, you were the one who sent your surrogates like Farouk Kibet and Kimani Ichung’wah to insult our leader, Uhuru Kenyatta—our fourth president of Kenya,” Gachagua thundered. “We want to tell you this: if you are a man, don’t send your surrogates to insult our leader. Come and insult him yourself.”
The former deputy president, who was impeached in a controversial political fallout less than a year after assuming office, used the platform to deliver a strong rebuke of what he called “systematic deception and betrayal” by the current president. He accused Ruto of manipulating the Mt. Kenya region into turning against Uhuru during the 2022 general election, exploiting religious sentiments and cleverly crafted biblical narratives.
“Ruto came to us with the Bible in hand, preaching humility and righteousness. He told us Uhuru had betrayed us, and we believed him. But now, the truth has come out—we were lied to,” Gachagua lamented.
Despite his prior allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua now claims that the region was misled into vilifying one of its own. He expressed visible remorse over the way the Mt. Kenya community had treated Uhuru Kenyatta, describing it as a moment of deep national shame.
“We humiliated our son based on falsehoods. But now we know the truth. From this day forward, I will defend our leader with all I have,” he said, his voice quivering with emotion. “No more surrogates will be allowed to insult him here. Not in our homeland.”
He went on to issue a direct warning to President Ruto: should the insults persist, he would mobilize the region’s youth to respond during Ruto’s future visits to the area.
“Because I am a gentleman and I respect your office, I instructed that no one insult you when you last came to speak to the people of the mountain,” Gachagua said. “But what did you do? You lied to them. If you continue using young people to insult Uhuru, I will have no choice but to order our youth to respond in kind. You will no longer receive a warm welcome.”
The rally, which drew opposition leaders, local elders, and hundreds of supporters, erupted into applause as Gachagua’s message resonated deeply with many who felt disillusioned by the current administration. For some, it was a long-overdue reckoning.
Political analysts say Gachagua’s speech marks a dramatic shift in Mt. Kenya’s political realignment. Once seen as Ruto’s fiercest defender in the region, Gachagua’s decision to break ranks could significantly impact the president’s support base heading into future elections.
“This is not just about Gachagua defending Uhuru,” said political commentator Beatrice Muthoni. “This is about Mt. Kenya waking up and reassessing its political loyalties. Gachagua is tapping into the frustration, especially among youth and elders who feel betrayed.”
Adding to the gravity of the moment, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta himself made a rare public appearance via video link during the rally. In a passionate address to African youth, he urged the continent’s young people to lead a new revolution—one that values integrity, bold ideas, and self-reliance.https://shorturl.at/pCMby
“We cannot keep looking to the West or East for solutions,” Uhuru said. “The answers to Africa’s problems lie within our own hands. It’s time for a new generation of leaders—committed, brave, and uncorrupted—to rise.”
Uhuru’s remarks, though focused on continental issues, carried a not-so-subtle undertone aimed at Kenya’s political elite. He lamented the rise of “passive leadership,” which he said had contributed to economic hardship and division across the country.
“The youth must rise—not with violence, but with vision,” Uhuru concluded.https://touchdigitalnews.com/wamunyoro-rigathi-gachagua-and-his-new-allies-roar/
Gachagua’s resurgence as a defender of Uhuru Kenyatta marks one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent memory. Just two years ago, he was on the campaign trail lambasting Uhuru and rallying support for Ruto’s presidency. But now, the tides have clearly turned.
His transformation is being hailed by some as an act of political maturity, and by others as a desperate attempt to reclaim lost influence. Regardless of motive, his words on Sunday carried undeniable weight—and could herald a new phase in Kenya’s political landscape.
Gachagua’s message was clear: Mt. Kenya will no longer be used as a political playground. The era of blind loyalty is over.
“Let us unite to protect our own,” he told the cheering crowd. “We may have made mistakes in the past, but we will not repeat them. From today, Uhuru Kenyatta will be respected as he deserves.”
“We will make big sacrifices for this country beyond personal goals and ambitions for the sake of our children. We have spoken in one relentless voice and commitment.
Our country must prosper with a great promise to clean our country from the dealers.
How can a nation so promising like the Kenya we have be frustrated through callousness and carelessness of outdated imperialism?
How can we have leaders so deafly fail to listen to the cries and economic pains crushing over 50 Million of us who pay taxes faithfully, work hard to put food on our tables? Yet poor service delivery to the common mwananchi is the order of day?” Gachagua stated
As the sun set over Wamunyoro, one thing became clear: Gachagua is no longer playing defense. He’s on the offensive—and Kenya is watching.