Rigathi Gachagua:
I am seeing everything that is happening but I have chosen to remain silent.
Remember where the river is silent, it’s more dangerous.
Political analyst Professor Peter Kagwanja on Wednesday speculated on the possible reason behind the rumoured rift between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
In his opinion, Prof Kagwanja explained that Gachagua had outlived his purpose in the Kenya Kwanza camp 16 months after the August 2022 General Election.
He alleged that the DP was appointed to scuttle the progress made by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Jubilee Party in Mount Kenya, a job Kagwanja claimed Gachagua did to perfection.
“The purpose for which he was appointed is over. He has done his round, we wanted to knock out Uhuru Kenyatta and he was the man to do the job. Jubilee is a hollow party because it used to have 170 plus seats, today it has not more than 28. He did a clean job of finishing Uhuru Kenyatta” Prof Kagwanja opined.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, the political analyst opined that time is rife for peacemaking and the president is basically assembling peacemakers and writing off warriors.
Kagwanja’s comments came a week after the second in command failed to attend important state functions and activities in a government he said he was a major shareholder.
https://x.com/i/status/1793356379224227953
Professor Macharia Munene, in the same interview said the DP was desperate because his expectations had not been met after ascending into the presidency alongside Ruto.
Munene claimed that Gachagua expected his boss to publically recognise him as the Mount Kenya kingpin but that did not happen.
“He feels it, he is desperate. From the day he was sworn in as deputy president, he appeared to be on a mission to be declared the leader of the mountain and he did everything possible to be declared, that has been very elusive to him and as things were going wrong, he appeared to be desperate,” Munene opined.
Former East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Mumbi Ng’aru said the situation has been happening to his predecessors and he should have been more careful to avoid falling prey to the same political tricks.
The DP skipped over 10 key state functions with no activity on his social media accounts. This contrasted sharply with his previous preference of shutting down rumours whenever speculation of a feude between him and his boss arose.
Explaining his absence during a burial on Tuesday however, Gachagua stated that he had retreated to Mount Kenya to pray, fast, reflect and meditate.
“I had taken seven days away for prayers, fasting, meditation, and no phones and nobody could disturb me. I had to meditate on the State of the Nation and the welfare of this region,” he said.
Gachagua reassured Kenyans and the GEMA community of his commitment to push for the region’s interests and urged other leaders from Mt. Kenya to follow his lead.
Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday fired a warning shot at a section of politicians from the Rift Valley region interfering with Mt Kenya politics.
The DP, who spoke during an empowerment programme in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, accused the politicians, whom he said were mostly Ruto allies, of meddling in Mt Kenya politics.
According to Gachagua, the said politicians had partnered with others from the Mt Kenya region to ill-advise the Head of State on critical political issues ahead of 2027.
“There are politicians from Rift Valley who have partnered with others in the Mt Kenya region and have decided to plan 2027 politics. Why do you want to succeed the president while he is still alive?” Gachagua posed without naming the said politicians.
“We are good people, so the problem is a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who are ill-advising the President on Mt Kenya politics,” he added.
While addressing his relationship with the Head of State, Gachagua dismissed allegations of a rift and affirmed his support for the president.
According to Gachagua, the people of Mt Kenya regions must fulfill their promise of supporting President Ruto for ten years.
"The people of Mt Kenya have no problem, we are good people, we promised to support Ruto and we did just as we promised. We are honest and straightforward people, the only thing we hate is betrayal,
“We are there, we are helping the president, we urge politicians from Rift Valley to let us alone so that we can help the President to serve the people of Kenya,” " the DP went on.
Gachagua also took a swipe at a section of politicians whom he accused of planning to succeed President Ruto prematurely.
“They are lying to people to start planning for 2032, we the people of Mt Kenya don’t want to be advised on future politics,” Gachagua noted.
Gachagua’s sentiments come days after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru took a swipe at the Deputy President, accusing him of interfering with Mt Kenya politics.
Waiguru accused Gachagua of personalising his position instead of acting as an inspiration to upcoming leaders.
"Everyone has a right to dream and pursue their dreams like those in current leadership dreamt and their dreams were actualised by the support of millions of youth and women. They (those harboring political ambition) too, deserve support, not hostility,” Waiguru stated.
Meanwhile, Former Bahati Member of Parliament, Kimani Ngunjiri, has faulted a section of political leaders for attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The comments of the former Bahati MP came weeks after speculations of a rift between President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and a divided Mount Kenya region politics.
Ngunjiri accused Ruto’s henchmen of propagating the fight against the second in command by organising meetings to sabotage Gachagua.
“This is Farouk Kibet, Oscar Sudi, and CS Kipchumba Murkomen planning to sabotage Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. They have sufficient funds to carry out their plan,” the former MP claimed, clearly appearing to court Gachagua who appears isolated by several Mt Kenya politicians.
From left, former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Recently, Gachagua went missing in notable public events alongside President Ruto for a week, prompting speculations on his whereabouts and his relations with his boss.
He later resurfaced, clarifying that he had taken a short break of prayer, meditation and reflection in Mt Kenya, away from phones and interruptions.
Speaking during a burial in Kirinyaga County on Tuesday 21, Gachagua re-affirmed his commitment to uniting the region despite visible cracks and infighting between political bigwigs in the region.
Ngunjiri also lauded the Deputy President for his efforts to make peace with the former head of state, saying it was a worthy course.
Speaking on Friday 25, Ngunjiri also asked former President Uhuru Kenyatta for forgiveness after a series of scathing attacks in the run to the 2022 General Election.
“Regarding the forgiveness between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua, it’s important to understand that any conflicts were a result of the intense political climate. In such times, disagreements are common. Now, it is time to make peace. I am also asking for Uhuru’s forgiveness if I did anything to offend him, and I have forgiven him as well,” said a remorseful Ngunjiri.
The realignments in Mt Kenya politics have seen two camps; those coalescing around Rigathi Gachaga and others around former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Benson Kyalo Mailu
Hon ngunjiri this is a one big no cause who came up with the idea of the DP being dropped and someone else appointed from murang’a, who are those saying that Gachagua is not fit to lead the mountain who are these saying that the DP is not bringing development projects to the region who are the political leaders claiming that they will never be behind him yes they are ex-members of Parliament and some from the current administration who are using the former president to divide the mountain you’res is blame game accept the DP as one of your own and the rest is history
Gachagua Desperately Kissing Ruto’s Arse While Courting Kamwana…
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua apologised to Kesses residents in Uasin Gishu after skipping an event in the area during the campaign season.
Speaking in Matharu during an interdenominational Church service on Sunday, Gachagua noted that his schedule was tight at the time and could not create the time for the event.
During his latest visit, however, the DP promised to pay a fine for skipping the tour and delivered a message from President William Ruto. The duo discussed the Matharu visit before the Head of State departed for America.
"The President sent me here with greetings and I promised him I would visit here before he went to America. He sent me with a contribution as well.
“The President told me that he loves you and he will visit this area when he comes back,” stated Gachagua.
“I must admit that I was to come here in Matharu during the campaign period but I am here to ask for forgiveness because I did not make it (visit during the campaigns). I was held up with a lot of work and my time was so short,” he added.
During the address, the deputy president donated Ksh10 million to Matharu High School for the construction of an office block among other projects.
He also confirmed that the state released Ksh600 million on Friday for payment to milk farmers who are suffering from delays in payments after supplies.
“I am here to apologise and since I missed it, I must pay a fine because that is our tradition in Africa,” he added.
Earlier, the DP accused a number of President Ruto’s allies of meddling with Mt Kenya politics during an empowerment address in Uasin Gishu County.
He claimed that the leaders were advising the Head of State wrongly ahead of the 2027 General Election but insisted that he and his boss enjoyed a cordial working relationship.
“There are politicians from Rift Valley who have partnered with others in the Mt Kenya region and have decided to plan 2027 politics. Why do you want to succeed the President while he is still alive?” Gachagua revealed.
“We are good people, so the problem is a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who are ill-advising the President on Mt Kenya politics."
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Wednesday came out guns blazing in response to the statement made by United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
Kahiga, in a post, almost echoed the position adopted by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi a few hours prior, claiming that Malala was unfit to hold the position and must be removed in the next party elections.
“Ag SG Malala in UDA is like a square peg in a round hole. He doesn’t fit. I have said it before, and I repeat, we must get rid of him in the coming UDA elections,” Kahiga charged.
The county boss argued that the party, whose leader is President William Ruto, was not formed on the basis of threats and gagging its members.
“We have come from an era of being gagged and threatened for speaking our minds. UDA was never built on such tenets and the earlier our ANC acting SG in UDA understood that, the better for him. I have reviewed my statement many times, and given the same circumstances, I would say exactly what I said then and say it in the same way,” he said.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malalah speaking at Hustler Plaza in Nairobi
Kahiga, who is an ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, stated that the second in command must be accorded the respect he deserves because he is the UDA deputy party leader.
The harsh response from the Nyeri Governor came hours after Malala sent a letter to Kahiga, Sudi and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba over political rhetoric stemming from reports that Gachagua is being sidelined by the UDA and has fallen out with President William Ruto.
In the statement, Malala noted that there was a growing trend of indiscipline cases in the party that has gone to lengths of disrespecting the party leadership.
“Your recent conduct not only undermines the party’s unity but also disrespects the leadership that you pledged to serve. Let this be a stern warning: desist from such actions with immediate effect. Should this behaviour persist, the party will take disciplinary action against you,” Malala said.
Malala also warned Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen of Transport, Moses Kuria of Public Service and Aisha Jumwa against engaging in politics.
Earlier, Oscar Sudi had dismissed Malala as a glorified MCA.
Meanwhile, DP Gachagua on Sunday put on a brave face amid political turmoil, insisting that his relationship with President Ruto is still intact and they are working harmoniously.
Gachagua on Wednesday, May 29, wrote to the Nation Media Group demanding an apology from the media house and the retraction of an article that claimed that the second in command had set his sights on taking over a new party.
The article titled Gachagua Seeks New Party Amid Falling Out with Ruto and Ruto-Gachagua tiff: DP Gachagua in Search of a new political outfit was published in the Daily Nation Newspaper and its Digital platform on May 29, 2024.
In a letter signed by Njeri Rugene, Head of the Deputy Presidential Communication Service, the DP’s office accused Nation of fabricating matters and falsely associating Gachagua with another political party.
“This one-sided false and concocted story is laced with innuendos and malice,” the letter read in part.
A screenshot of a Nation Media Group article alleging that DP Gachagua is seeking a new political party.
“To associate His Excellency the Deputy President with another political party, especially one with the questionable association can only have been done in bad faith, with the sole intention of undermining His Excellency’s role as the Deputy Party Leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.”
In the article, Gachagua’s team was claimed to have made contact with The New Democrats Party which was initially headed by former President Mwai Kibaki’s son Jimmy Kibaki.
The DP’s office alleged that the article sought to defame the DP and did not take into account Gachagua’s take on the matter.
“It is deliberately intended to disparage and attack the integrity of His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” the letter read in part.
“The article also clearly violates the tenets of professional journalism that demand objectivity, balance and fairness. In this regard, we demand a retraction of this fabricated article and an apology with the same prominence.”
Nation’s article claimed that they reached out to sources who claimed that DP was reaching out to several political players including a former official in ex-president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to secure a deal.
“He has acquired a political party and recently approached a governor from Western Kenya to be part of his team. He even asked him to plan a meeting with a senior former CS so that they can discuss future politics,” the report as quoted by Nation stated.
Sudi on Wednesday dismissed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala just moments after the latter revealed he had written to a section of party members over their tough political stances stemming from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s alleged isolation in the ruling party.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi (left) and DP Rigathi Gachagua.
In a post, Sudi described Malala as a glorified MCA who is not qualified to be the Secretary General of President William Ruto’s party.
“Elevated MCA suffering from illusory superiority, thinking he matches Raphael Tuju’s calibre," stated Sudi.
Malala had written a letter to Sudi, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga cautioning them to tread lightly or face disciplinary action.
President William Ruto and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala during the opening of UDA offices in Homa Bay County on October 7, 2023.
“My attention has been drawn to the fact that certain individuals continue to show blatant disrespect to the party leadership, including the Presidency. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the realms of our Party, read the letter in part
Additionally, Malala had cautioned Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria, Aisha Jumwa and Kipchumba Murkomen from engaging in politics contrary to the law.
“Hon. Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, your primary responsibility is to serve the people within your docket. Should you wish to engage in politics, you are welcome to resign and join the political arena,” warned Malala.
Sudi vs Gachagua
Malala’s statement was prompted by a fierce exchange of words between Gachagua and Sudi over the past weekend.
Gachagua had accused politicians close to Ruto of meddling in Mt. Kenya politics and attempting to drive a wedge between him and Ruto.
The Deputy President smelled foul play, sensing that recent political developments were geared at attempts to sideline him politically.
“There are politicians from Rift Valley who have partnered with others in the Mt Kenya region and have decided to plan 2027 politics. Why do you want to succeed the President while he is still alive?” Gachagua posed without naming the said politicians.
A day later, Sudi fired back insisting that he had the liberty to traverse the country as much as he needed to in a bid to popularise the ruling UDA party.
“We are all students of President William Ruto. Everyone has the authority to travel across the country,” Sudi stated at the time.
Kuria speaks:
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, May 31 explained his move to issue a public apology to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during a stopover meeting in Limuru, Gachagua asserted that most of the leaders in the vote-rich region including him, were misled to attack Uhuru Kenyatta.
He acknowledged that it was not wise to attack their leader publicly given that a section of the public also mocked the former President.
Therefore, he noted that it would be wise to apologise to Uhuru to avoid a repeat of the same.
"We were misled, we attacked and shouted down President Uhuru. I requested forgiveness, did you forgive me? Never again will we attack our leader. Do not stab your brother in the back.
“That is why I personally went live on TV and Radio to seek forgiveness from our son Uhuru Kenyatta for attacking him during the campaigns. We acknowledge our mistake. The bad thing would be to repeat the mistake,” he stated.
Gachagua detailed that the apology was also necessary given that there were still plans to cause division among the current leaders.
He also cautioned the young leaders from the region not to be used in fueling division in the mountain, noting that the vote-rich region is always the target for people planning to cause division.
However, he did not mention the names of the specific leaders behind the plan to cause disunity in Mt Kenya. Instead, he opted to call upon the leadership to rally behind him in supporting President William Ruto.
The DP has been on a charm offensive to extend an olive branch to Uhuru in recent weeks. This follows cracks that have been witnessed among leaders of the ruling party.
According to the DP, a section of leaders close to Ruto have been behind the plans to cause friction among Mt Kenya leaders. In particular, he took on Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who he warned to stay away from Mt Kenya politics.
This was in reference to a splinter group that has been pushing for Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to succeed Ruto. Other leaders have also suggested that Nyoro should replace Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
However, his sentiments did not sit well with Sudi who maintained that he would work with leaders from all regions.
"You cannot control where I go. If we all stayed in our respective constituencies then we would not be in government. We had to fly all over the country to ask Kenyans to elect this government.
“I am not someone you can threaten. I have been threatened enough and this does not move me,” Sudi responded.
Uhuru is yet to comment on Gachagua’s public apology.
Gachagua’s troubles are about to become even worse. A petition has been sent to Parliament recommending that deputy presidents be barred from vying for the presidency immediately after their term ends, removing the mat under the feet of Gachagua.
The petition, submitted on Monday, June 3, has sparked widespread debate and could lead to significant constitutional changes.
The petition, spearheaded by John Mweha Kariuki, a prominent community leader from Ndenderu, calls for an amendment to Article 148 of the Constitution to include a new clause.
The proposed amendment seeks to add a clause stating, “The deputy president shall be ineligible to vie for the presidency immediately after his or her term is over.”
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Mweha expressed his frustration over the recurrent conflicts between presidents and their deputies, which he believes undermine the country’s governance and service delivery.
“It hurts me and every Kenyan to see the President and his deputy fighting all the time. This has often led to many Kenyans not receiving services like they should,” Mweha lamented.
The potential implications of this petition are far-reaching. If adopted by the National Assembly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be prevented from running for president once his term with President William Ruto concludes.
This move comes amidst reports of growing tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, echoing the discord that previously plagued the Jubilee Party.
The Jubilee Party, established for the 2017 General Election, was intended to be a political powerhouse. However, it dramatically disintegrated when then-President Uhuru Kenyatta fell out with his deputy, Ruto. Initially a coalition between Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) and Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), Jubilee’s collapse was marked by accusations and a fractured political landscape.
At the height of their dispute, Ruto accused Kenyatta of “damaging” Jubilee by collaborating with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Now, similar rifts are appearing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with reports indicating that Gachagua has lost certain privileges, such as using government helicopters for travel.
Mweha argues that the proposed constitutional amendment would foster cooperative governance by eliminating the potential for future competition between the president and deputy president.
“Adding this clause to the Constitution will promote harmony, prevent conflicts of interest, and encourage political diversity,” Mweha asserted.
Furthermore, Mweha believes the amendment would enhance the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. “Preventing the deputy president from vying for presidency will curtail the use of state resources and influence accumulated during their term to skew presidential elections,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining the democratic process’s integrity.
Mweha also highlighted the potential benefits of political diversity and stability. “Barring the deputy president from running for president will open the field to a broader array of candidates, ensuring voters have a wider selection and promoting a vibrant democracy,” he explained. This move would also prevent premature succession politics, contributing to political stability and mutual cohesion within the executive branch.
Additionally, Mweha pointed out that the ineligibility for the presidency would encourage the deputy president to focus fully on their current responsibilities, resulting in better governance and alignment with the president’s agenda
“The intent of this petition is to strengthen the integrity of the executive branch, prevent conflicts of interest, enhance service delivery, and foster fair political competition. It is inequitable for a Kenyan to serve as deputy president for a decade and as President for another decade. Fresh leadership and new ideas are vital for the continuous growth and development of our nation,” Mweha added.
Mweha presented his petition under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants every citizen the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including enacting, amending, or repealing legislation.
The petition now awaits a response from Parliament, setting the stage for what could be a historic constitutional amendment.
…
Dan Silali
Forgive us Baba watu wa mulima for thinking we were punishing you with Uhuru without knowing we wos to regrate now.
Ka R Tel
When baba is happy Ruto is more happier
Raila Odinga receives the report from the Limuru III conference from Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni at Chungwa House
…
More Gachagua Helicopter Traffic Dramas…
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday apologised to his boss, President William Ruto, for arriving late to an event they were both scheduled to attend.
The two leaders were scheduled to attend the Akurinu Church event in Nakuru on Sunday morning but the second in command arrived hours late and found the service underway.
In his address, Gachagua hinted that he was scheduled to travel to Nakuru via a helicopter but revealed the humidity and the airspace were not conducive.
He, as a result, departed late thereby arriving at the destination past the stipulated time.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praying at Mt Kenya.
“Mr President, I apologise to you for coming late. You know I am disciplined. I was a uniformed officer and in Government, I am the most disciplined person,” stated Gachagua.
“I was late because I had issues with my transport arrangement. I left late and got stuck between Longonot and Naivasha for two hours before I arrived here.”
Ruto, Gachagua, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika were the guests of honour as the Akurinu sect held its 2024 prayers conference before later launching the Akurinu Sacco.
At the event, Gachagua revealed that the Akurinu community had approached him to send a prayer message to the Head of State which he did promptly.
He explained that the Head of State then directed him to hold meetings with the sect’s leadership that resulted in the Nakuru Conference date held today.
Chopper Chatter
In recent weeks, reports emerged that the deputy president was finding difficulties accessing clearance to use military choppers in his countrywide visits.
On Monday, Standard reported that Gachagua was denied clearance to use a military chopper to attend the 61st Madaraka Day Event in Bungoma due to bad weather.
That was the third time the DP was denied chopper clearance in a span of one month. The first instance occurred on May 10.
Ruto, however, revealed at the event that the two are working harmoniously and he hand-selected Gachagua to be his deputy.
