President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua engaged in a sharp exchange yesterday in Nyandarua County, highlighting the deepening political rivalry between them as the next general election approaches.
The two leaders attended the burial ceremony of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho at Ol Kalou grounds.
This was the first time the two had met at a public event since 2024.
In his speech, Gachagua directly targeted President Ruto, saying that although he had been removed from office, his support base in the Mt. Kenya region remained intact.
“You succeeded in removing me from office, but as you can see, the people of Mt. Kenya still love me and I remain in their hearts,” said Gachagua after being invited to speak.
He added that during the process of his removal, the late Kiaraho had been threatened and pressured to participate but stood firm.
“Other MPs were paid to betray me, but he did not betray me. That is why I am here to mourn him,” Gachagua said.
The DCP party leader also urged President Ruto to rein in his close allies from the Mt. Kenya region, specifically mentioning Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
“We all voted for you, but as we approach 2027, you will need to prove that you still need our votes. You betrayed our people and lost the respect they had for you,” he added.
When President Ruto rose to speak, defending his government’s development record, he accused Gachagua of engaging in divisive and tribal politics.
“When 2027 comes, all leaders will be judged based on their performance. I urge all leaders to stop advancing personal interests and creating divisions between me and the people who elected me. The people of Mt. Kenya are very wise,” said Ruto.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu was the first to speak, criticizing Ruto’s allies for repeatedly insulting Gachagua at public events.
“I respect you, President, but I am not afraid of you,” said Methu, drawing cheers from mourners.
Referring to Gachagua as “the people’s deputy president,” Methu challenged leaders who have been insulting him to do so at the funeral.
“Kimani Ichung’wah, try to threaten or insult Gachagua here. In Nyandarua you will see fire—just try,” he said to applause.
Methu, who took the stage after being invited by Kinangop MP and funeral committee chair Kwenya Thuku, questioned the treatment of Gachagua.
“Is this how you treated Rigathi Gachagua—a leader who is hated, insulted, and chased away?” he asked, continuing his criticism of Ruto and his allies.
Visibly emotional, the senator accused the government of neglecting development projects in Nyandarua County, linking it to politics.
“You promised that your administration would improve various roads here. Have you done so?” Methu asked.
He also thanked mourners for not embarrassing Gachagua at the funeral.
“We hear that some people were brought to heckle us, but you have shown us love and demonstrated to the whole world how much you support Gachagua and the leaders who stand with him,” he said.
Kiaraho’s family praised him as a dedicated leader committed to serving his constituents and indicated that his son may soon enter politics.
“We have known you since 2013, and our father told us you are a very trustworthy person. You stood with him from 2013 until his death, and I assure you, President, our family supports you,” said Kiaraho.
His wife, Jackline Kiaraho, also praised her husband’s leadership, saying their son is ready to take over from his father, who mentored him in politics for over 10 years.
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