'You're my brother but...' Gloves off as angry Gachagua faces Ruto for the first time since ouster

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took no prisoners at the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho, in Nyandarua County.

Taking the lectern on Wednesday, a fiery Gachagua staged a spirited ambush at his former boss, President William Ruto, over his 2024 impeachment, and the politics of betrayal and tribalism. It was the first time the two had publicly addressed each other since his ouster.

Gachagua faulted President Ruto for listening to those he termed as “children”, and whose ill-advice made him lose favour with the Mt. Kenya region.

He singled out Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah for leading the president astray and eventually being rejected by the region.

“They betrayed our community. I told you (President Ruto) before we became enemies, that Ichung’wah and these people will drive you to the pit. I advised you that betrayal is not forgiven among our people. You chose to listen to Kimani Ichung’wah, and now this community has rejected you,” he said.

“Create peace with this community, do not listen to these ‘children’, they are leading you astray.”

He further urged President Ruto to steer clear of labelling the community as tribal, saying that it is willing to work with his government only if he tames those giving him bad advice.

Gachagua added that the political betrayal that led to his ouster cannot erode his prominence in his community, and it will be impossible to dismiss his influence.

“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.

“Tell Ichung’wah that we are going to Kikuyu on Saturday. He has mobilised gangs to harm people, burn houses and destroy businesses. He should stop being foolish.”

He also faulted National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for not observing Standing Orders and allowing the House to discuss him without the standard procedures.

“Five times you have allowed Parliament to discuss me without a substantive motion. You have let the National Assembly down. You are the Speaker, not a youth winger for UDA,” he said.

“If Kimani Ichung’wah wants to discuss me, let him move a substantive motion in accordance with standing order 51. They keep on talking about me as their kihii (uncircumcised boy).”

Before today’s meeting, Gachagua and President Ruto last met in public on November 16, 2024, at the installation of the Embu Catholic Bishop, shortly after the ex-DP’s impeachment.