Itumbi Endorses Gachagua’s ‘Githinji’ Nickname for Ruto
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi has endorsed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent reference to President William Ruto as “Githinji” saying it fits him perfectly.
In a post shared online on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Itumbi praised the name saying it resonates with the Mt. Kenya community.
“Yes, Gachagua, @WilliamsRuto GITHINJI/KITHINJI. Hio jina iko sawa kabisa,” Itumbi wrote. “He joins thousands of Mt. Kenya sons and daughters who carry the name as a first name or surname.”
This came a day after Gachagua broke his two week silence during an emotional funeral in Murang’a County where six members of one family who died in a road accident were laid to rest.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gachagua addressed President Ruto directly in Kikuyu saying: “Mimi niseme, ndio Githinji askie mahali ako. Sisi wewe Githinji tulikuchagua. Tulikupenda, tukakupatia kura zetu zote. Ukakua mfalme, ukafika mahali ukatusaliti.”
The deputy president explained he had been silent for two weeks to reflect and observe the political situation.
“I have been silent for over two weeks,” he said. “A Kikuyu proverb says that sometimes even if you know how to sing, you just decide to watch, not because you don’t know how to sing but because you want to make an observation.”
Gachagua’s remarks have sparked renewed speculation over his relationship with President Ruto as the Kenya Kwanza administration dynamics shift.
Itumbi’s public reaction was aimed at calming the situation, suggesting Ruto’s association with the name “Githinji” symbolically means he is part of the Mt. Kenya community. By saying it’s perfectly fitting, Itumbi meant Ruto’s leadership style still resonates with the region’s culture.
Both Gachagua and Itumbi have been key players in Ruto’s political rise so their public exchanges are closely watched as Kenya’s political landscape evolves.
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Itumbi Endorses Gachagua’s ‘Githinji’ Nickname for Ruto