Aasai

In a fiery and politically charged speech during his visit to Meru County, former Deputy President and current Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of personalizing state resources to serve private interests while neglecting critical development needs in the region.

Speaking on Friday at the onset of his three-day tour of the Mt. Kenya East region, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto is spearheading the construction of a public road that leads directly to a luxury hotel allegedly linked to him in Meru. According to Gachagua, the project is being executed at the expense of local infrastructure needs, particularly roads that would support the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

“The people of Meru deserve better,” Gachagua told residents gathered at the event. “Instead of constructing roads to help farmers transport their produce to markets and factories, Ruto is using public funds to build a road to his private hotel. Then he expects the same citizens he is neglecting to go and drink tea at that hotel. This is a mockery.”

The DCP leader’s comments were filled with emotion and political undertones, reflecting the deepening rift between him and President Ruto, whom he served under during their first term in office. Gachagua also alleged that he was unfairly removed from power based on fabricated accusations, particularly involving the controversial purchase of land in Meru. He framed his ouster as a politically motivated move designed to eliminate him from the government and silence dissent within the Mount Kenya region.

In an even more explosive statement, Gachagua accused President Ruto of trying to divide the larger Mt. Kenya region along ethnic lines—an approach he compared to the leadership style of former President Daniel arap Moi, who was often criticized for using divide-and-rule tactics. “He tried to divide Mt. Kenya using a so-called ‘soprano’ to drive a wedge between the Meru, Kikuyu, and Embu communities so that he could rule without resistance,” said Gachagua.

He urged regional unity, emphasizing that the strength of Mt. Kenya lay in its solidarity. “Our power is in staying united. Division will only benefit those who seek to dominate us,” he said.

Gachagua was joined by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and current DCP National Organising Secretary Mithika Linturi, who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to advocating for Meru’s development and autonomy. Linturi rallied the residents to stay strong despite not having representation in Parliament, promising that patriotic leadership would emerge from the region. “Even if we don’t have MPs with us, Meru has not run out of selfless leaders. We are here to work day and night for the region’s liberation,” he said.

Also lending her voice was Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara, who passionately addressed the impact of national debt on young people. “President Ruto is plunging this country into debt, and your children will carry that burden. Even children who are yet to be born already owe money,” she warned. “Our kids are not going to school today because of failed leadership.”

The events in Meru signal a growing opposition movement in the Mt. Kenya region, as discontent brews over perceived political marginalization and alleged misuse of public resources.