Ruto-Gachagua Truce? Ex-DP Drops Bombshell Conditions in Stunning Political Shift
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signalled a possible thaw in his strained relationship with William Ruto, declaring he is open to working with the Head of State—but only under strict conditions.
Speaking on Wednesday in Nyandarua County, Gachagua stated that any form of cooperation would depend on the President distancing himself from certain allies whom he accused of offering misleading counsel.
The former Deputy President made the remarks while addressing mourners at the burial of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho. In a measured tone, he urged attendees to uphold decorum during the ceremony, cautioning against political chants that could disrupt the solemn occasion.
Gachagua specifically warned his supporters against shouting “one term” slogans directed at President Ruto, who was expected to address the gathering.
“If the president comes on the podium to speak, I do not want to hear you people chanting ‘one term’ because we loved you as the president and we chose you because we loved you and respected you,” Gachagua said.
“I do not want anybody to shout ‘one-term’ because we are here for a burial, and since the president has come here, he has come in good faith. We can work with you, but the people you walk with are the problem.”
His comments suggest a nuanced stance—acknowledging respect for the presidency while maintaining sharp criticism of individuals within Ruto’s political circle.
Gachagua further emphasised that President Ruto was elected through goodwill and should be allowed to govern without hostility from the public, adding that political disagreements should not erode respect for national leadership.
The remarks have since fuelled speculation over a potential political truce between the two leaders following their highly publicised fallout.
However, even as he extended an olive branch, Gachagua launched a scathing attack on Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly. He accused the Kikuyu MP of allegedly inciting violence in the Mt Kenya region.
According to Gachagua, there were plans to disrupt his upcoming visit to Kikuyu Constituency through orchestrated attacks.
“I pleaded with you, the president, to tell Kimani Ichung’wah that we are going to the Kikuyu Constituency on Saturday, and he has planned to hire goons to beat people and destroy businesses; tell him to stop it,” he alleged.
In addition, the former Deputy President urged President Ruto to take decisive action against the rising cases of drug abuse in the Mt Kenya region. He noted that despite previous interventions, the crisis remains unresolved and continues to affect communities.
Gachagua’s remarks paint a complex political picture—one that balances reconciliation with continued criticism—raising fresh questions about the future dynamics within Kenya’s leadership.
Ruto-Gachagua Truce? Ex-DP Drops Bombshell Conditions in Stunning Political Shift