President William Ruto has clarified his sudden decision to cancel his visit to Embu County, amid mounting tensions over Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Speaking at the AIC Milimani Church in Nairobi on Sunday, October 13, Ruto stated he opted to attend the church’s 30th anniversary celebration instead, citing a long-standing connection with the congregation.
The president was originally scheduled to lead the 34th diocesan anniversary at St Mark’s Teachers Training College, Kigari, but pulled out just hours before the event, fuelling speculation over the true reasons behind the cancellation. His absence was notable as it came on the same day Gachagua was making his first public appearance since the contentious impeachment vote in Parliament.
Ruto explained that his commitment to the AIC Milimani celebration was personal, describing the church as his “home.” He emphasised his history with the congregation, recalling how it grew from 10 families to 3,000 members over the years.
“I missed the 25-year celebration. I was not going to miss the 30-year one,” he stated, aiming to dispel doubts surrounding his abrupt change of plans.
Despite Ruto’s clarification, questions remain about the timing of his decision. The president did not address the rift within the Mt Kenya region or the impeachment debate, which has triggered political fallout across the country. His silence on the matter contrasts with his usual hands-on approach, leaving many to wonder if the cancellation was a strategic move to avoid escalating the situation.
State House insisted the Embu visit was scrapped due to a scheduling conflict, but the explanation has done little to quell speculation. The planned visit was already postponed once in July, citing security concerns after threats from protestors. Now, as political temperatures in Mt Kenya rise, the last-minute cancellation appears to be an effort to let the situation settle.
Gachagua’s impeachment, backed by 282 MPs on Tuesday, has divided Mt Kenya deeply. Local leaders who supported the motion are facing backlash from constituents who view the Deputy President as a victim in a larger power struggle. The tension has made some MPs hesitant to return to their constituencies, with some even bolstering security at their rural homes.
The president’s recent reluctance to address the political crisis has not gone unnoticed. His typically active public schedule has been subdued, sparking speculation about his next move. The political fallout following Gachagua’s ousting continues to unfold, raising questions about Ruto’s strategy to navigate the region’s growing unrest.
With Mt Kenya’s political landscape shifting, Ruto’s choice to stay silent on the impeachment debate may signal a calculated approach to contain the brewing storm without fanning the flames. As leaders scramble to respond to their constituents’ frustrations, the president’s next steps will be closely watched.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi on Sunday, October 13 continued his onslaught against embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua calling on Kenyans to be patient with Members of Parliament who voted yes to the DP’s impeachment.
Sudi, through a video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, slammed the DP once again in another explosive tirade as he promised Kenyans that there was a valid reason why more than 280 MPs voted to impeach the Deputy President last Tuesday.
“Many are asking questions. I want to tell you Kenyans to be patient. We will explain one by one after we are done with our work,” he said, referring to Gachagua’s upcoming date with destiny when the DP will appear before the Senate for the trial to defend himself against 11 charges.
He went on, " We are not mad. More than 280 MPs versus 349 (voted to oust Gachagua). It is for the country and it is good for the country."
As the trial looms, Gachagua addressed the region on Sunday, October 13, during the 34th diocesan anniversary celebrations at St Mark’s Teachers Training College in Embu, urging calm regardless of the outcome.
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“Irrespective of what happens, I am calling for peace in Embu and Mt Kenya and all of Kenya. We only have one Kenya and not any other country,” stated Gachagua.
His message comes against the backdrop of protests in the Mathira Constituency, his backyard, following the National Assembly’s impeachment vote. But even before the impeachment on Tuesday, skirmishes emerged during the public participation in Nyeri, Nyahururu, and other parts of Mt Kenya.
Gachagua did not delve deeply into the impeachment during his address, simply expressing confidence in Kenya’s judiciary. “We have faith in our courts, and I am certain that our judges will uphold the Constitution and ensure the will of the people prevails,” he remarked, referring to his ongoing legal efforts to halt the Senate proceedings.
Tensions remain high in the Mt Kenya region, where chaos erupted shortly after Gachagua’s impeachment by the National Assembly on October 8. The unrest, particularly in Gachagua’s home turf of Mathira, saw clashes during public participation forums meant to gather input on the impeachment motion.
Allegations have emerged of MPs and former leaders disrupting the forums, with reports of intimidation towards participants.
