The Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders has criticized certain Rift Valley leaders for politically humiliating Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that disrespecting the second in command equates to disrespecting the presidency.
The elders emphasized that Gachagua supported the Kalenjin community by helping President William Ruto secure more votes in the Mt. Kenya region during the last general elections, and therefore, he deserves respect.
Led by Chairman Richard Ngeno, the elders underscored the unity between the people of Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya, stressing that this relationship should endure.
“Our deputy president Gachagua indeed assisted us with votes from Mt Kenya region in the last general elections and therefore we must respect him and work together,” Ngeno stated.
Speaking to the media in Bomet town on Wednesday, the Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders addressed the recent claims of a fallout between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This speculation was sparked by Gachagua’s comments last week, where he accused some of Ruto’s close allies of prematurely engaging in succession politics for the 2027 elections.
The elders urged the president and his deputy to remain united, drawing parallels to the discord experienced during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
Chairman Richard Ngeno emphasized the importance of the deputy president respecting his boss and collaborating to ensure efficient service delivery to Kenyans.
“We want to tell Rigathi to work closely with his boss and avoid everything that might separate them,” he added.
On Monday, Bomet county governor Prof. Hillary Barchok cautioned Rift Valley leaders against engaging in public spats with the deputy president saying that it is a disrespectful act that should be avoided.
“We are not going to allow a few people to bring shame to our government. DP Gachagua must be respected. If there is something our deputy has said that you do not agree with, then there is a respectable way to address the same,” Barchok stated.
On Saturday in Eldoret, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused certain leaders of scheming to decide the next Mt. Kenya kingpin, dismissing their efforts as futile and noting that Mt. Kenya politics is more complex than they realize.
However, on Sunday, leaders from the Rift Valley countered his remarks, asserting their right to travel across the country to promote unity.
Mogotio MP Rueben Kiborek and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheph Nyakundi, speaking at a church service in Bomet, refuted claims that they are undermining Mt. Kenya leaders. Nyakundi also called for respect for youthful leaders, while Kiborek emphasized their intention to visit the entire country to advocate for government policies.
