Aasai

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out strongly against President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating deliberate attempts to sabotage his political engagements in Meru County. Speaking during a church service in Rwarera, Meru, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto used state resources and key government officials to mobilize youth to block his rallies over the weekend.

Gachagua, who was accompanied by several allies from his newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), directly accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki of coordinating the disruptive operations. According to Gachagua, Kindiki gave selected Members of Parliament Ksh.3 million each to pay youth to be hostile towards him and his team during their political tour of Meru. He cited incidents in Imenti and outside Tuskys Supermarket where the paid youth were allegedly instructed to light bonfires and cause chaos to prevent him from addressing the publicity.

 However, Gachagua claimed that the move backfired, stating that the same youth ended up chanting anti-Ruto slogans such as "one-term" — a slogan gaining popularity among some Kenyans who are opposed to President Rutos re-election bid in 2027. “They wanted the youth to attack us, but instead, the youth received us warmly and joined in singing songs of welcome. In fact, the same youth are the ones leading chants saying Ruto will serve only one term,” he stated. He further alleged that millions of shillings have been distributed to local leaders to deter him and his supporters from entering areas like Igembe. Gachagua singled out Tigania East MP, claiming he purchased crude weapons, including machetes and arrows, for the youth to use in disrupting the DCP rallies. Despite these alleged efforts, Gachagua insists they were not successful and that the public, particularly in Meru, continues to show him overwhelming support.

The former deputy president also accused Ruto of having lost touch with the Mt Kenya region, stating that the President’s betrayal of the region’s voters has cost him their trust and support. “Ruto is bitter because he knows he no longer enjoys the backing of the Mountain. I had warned him earlier that the people from Mt Kenya do not tolerate lies and betrayal,” Gachagua said. He added that the region should not be considered part of Rutos 2027 political plans.

Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 following a dramatic fallout with President Ruto. His recent political moves suggest he is preparing for a fresh campaign front as he regains his political footing with vocal support from former allies of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Also present during the Sunday service was former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who has since become a vocal critic of Ruto after being sacked during a Cabinet reshuffle that followed nationwide youth-led protests.

 Gachagua went further to accuse President Ruto of trying to influence religious institutions. He claimed that Ruto recently summoned bishops from the AICPA to State House and threatened them against inviting him to preach or address congregants. “Ruto wants to control the church — this is the peak of dictatorship,” he told the faithful. According to Gachagua, religious leaders are now afraid of associating with him due to state pressure. The former DP painted the President as a leader who has become increasingly authoritarian, especially in response to growing dissent from within his former strongholds.