Twist as Nuru Okanga’s Lawyers Demand Gachagua Take the Stand Against President Ruto in Court
Lawyers representing political activist Nuru Okanga are pushing for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to be summoned as a key witness in an ongoing defamation case involving President William Ruto.
Okanga is currently facing multiple charges, including allegations of publishing false and defamatory statements on social media and issuing remarks deemed threatening toward the Head of State. The case stems from a widely circulated video presented in court, in which Okanga allegedly urged Gachagua to take violent action against President Ruto. The footage has become a central element in the prosecution’s argument.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, November 25, members of Okanga’s defence team—among them lawyers Abner Mango and Shadrack Wambui, alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino—announced they had formally applied for Gachagua to be compelled to appear before the court. They argued that only the former Deputy President can clarify key factual issues surrounding the statements attributed to Okanga.
According to Wambui, the defence wants Gachagua to confirm whether he ever served as a District Officer and whether he underwent firearm training during his tenure—details they believe are necessary to establish the context in which Okanga made the disputed remarks.
“We have requested the court to issue a summons so that the prosecution can be compelled to present the former DP to give an account as to whether he was previously employed as a DO, and whether he learnt how to use a firearm,” Wambui said.
He added that Gachagua’s testimony was crucial in determining whether the former Deputy President interpreted Okanga’s comments as serious threats or as exaggerated political rhetoric.
“We want to understand from the former DP whether he understood the words alleged by Nuru Okanga as serious,” he stated.
The defence further asked the court to summon President Ruto himself, arguing that his personal account is necessary to determine whether he directly heard the alleged statements and whether he considered them threatening.
Babu Owino, speaking outside the courtroom, expressed confidence in the direction of the case, insisting the defence was “already satisfied” with its progress. He criticised the charges brought against Okanga, describing them as politically motivated and lacking substance.
“We also request that President William Ruto be available as a prosecution witness to tell us whether he heard Nuru Okanga instructing his former DP to shoot him,” Wambui reiterated.
The hearing continued on Monday, with Okanga’s lawyers cross-examining prosecution witnesses. The case has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume on January 20 next year, when further applications and witness testimonies are expected.
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Twist as Nuru Okanga’s Lawyers Demand Gachagua Take the Stand Against President Ruto in Court