Here, Gachagua accused the Head of State of betrayal, recounting his removal from office in 2024.
“Yes, you removed me from office, but removing me from the hearts of these people is impossible. It is like cutting a Mugumo tree with a razor blade,” he said.
The event marked the second time the two leaders met publicly since Gachagua’s impeachment by the Senate.
Gachagua challenged Ruto to make peace with the Mt Kenya community, faulting his allies for ‘misleading him’ into disregarding the central region. He pointed out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, whom he branded as a “child”.
In a not-so-subtle response, President Ruto said he would not allow division within the Mt Kenya community.
“I will unite our nation of Kenya. We cannot accept people preaching divisions. Mtu asiniletee vita yake… ailete kati yangu na watu wa mlima,” he said.
Ruto used the platform to call for national unity, warning against leaders he accused of preaching division.
Earlier, Gachagua had asked the crowd – and the Kikuyu community in general – that Ruto be accorded the respect he deserves as the president, something that did go down well with the head of state.
Ruto dismissed Gachagua’s ‘order’, insisting he did not need permission from anyone to visit any part of the country, urging young leaders not to be intimidated.
“I will go anywhere and do anything. I don’t need permission from anyone,” he said.
President William Ruto went on to defend his development record and hit out at leaders he accused of engaging in insults and empty rhetoric.
During the memorial service, the President told mourners that leaders would ultimately be judged by performance, not noise.
“We celebrate the life and times of this great leader,” Ruto said of the late MP, describing him as “focused, forthright, committed” and hardworking.
The President noted that while the ruling party UDA had tried to unseat Kiaraho in the 2022 General Election, the late MP prevailed, which he said was a reflection of the value residents placed on development.
“It is true, in 2022, we tried as UDA to compete with Kiaraho, but he defeated us because of work. These wananchi recognise work — not noise, not insults,” he said.
Ruto also responded to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who had questioned why he had not finalised development promises he made to the people of the area.
“Not every leader said what they will do. Everyone, plan your work; what you promised wananchi. I know how I will fulfil mine; you struggle with yours,” he said.
Among the projects he referenced was the Ol Bolossat–Kwanjiku road, which he said would be developed.
On education, the President said the government had already gazetted the establishment of Nyandarua University College and pledged financial support to develop infrastructure.
Kiaraho died on March 29, 2026, after a long illness and is set to be buried at his farm in Tigoni, Kiambu County, on Friday.
