Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly responded to President William Ruto, who recently accused him of dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines.
Speaking during a gathering at the home of NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, on Saturday, January 25, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s claims, emphasizing that he had supported the president despite belonging to a different ethnic community.
In his address, Gachagua termed Ruto’s accusations as an insult to the Kikuyu community, saying it was unfair for the president to label him as tribal.
He noted that his support for Ruto in the past proved his commitment to nationalism, not tribalism.
“It’s absurd and disrespectful to the Kikuyu community for the president to go around accusing us of tribalism.
I, Rigathi Gachagua, stood by William Ruto even though he is not a Kikuyu. In fact, 87 per cent of my people voted for him, fully aware of his ethnic background. We are not tribal; we are patriots,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president accused Ruto of frustration and bitterness, claiming that the president’s recent criticisms stem from political betrayal by the Mt Kenya region.
According to Gachagua, many people in the region now oppose the president due to unfulfilled promises and perceived disloyalty.
“Ruto’s attacks on me, especially in Western Kenya, are fueled by his frustration. He is disappointed because Mt Kenya people have turned their backs on him.
This is not about me; it’s about the growing resentment within my community because of his actions,” Gachagua added.
Gachagua’s remarks were a direct response to comments made by President Ruto during a visit to Vihiga earlier in the week.
The president had accused the former DP of being corrupt, incompetent, and divisive, stating that such leadership was driving hateful tribal politics in the country.
“There are individuals who want to lead us back into hateful, tribal-based politics aimed at dividing Kenyans.
Some of them were given opportunities to serve but failed due to incompetence and corruption. They sank, and they will continue to sink,” Ruto had said.
Karua Joins Gachagua in Criticizing Ruto
Martha Karua, who hosted the event, also took the opportunity to criticize President Ruto, accusing him of dictatorial tendencies and constitutional violations.
She alleged that Ruto’s regime has been involved in orchestrating abductions and other unconstitutional activities.
Karua has been a fierce critic of Ruto’s administration, often calling for his resignation due to what she describes as a lack of accountability and failure to uphold the rule of law.
“Leadership in Kenya is not a personal title deed. This country belongs to all of us. When you are entrusted with leadership, you must follow the Constitution.
You cannot run the government as though it’s your personal property. We, the people, will reject such actions,” Karua stated.
The NARC Kenya leader also reminded Ruto of his political downfall in June last year, suggesting he should resign gracefully instead of clinging to power.
“Ruto should accept that his time is up. He was effectively fired by the people last year. Around the world, leaders resign when they lose the trust of the people.
There is nothing unique about him. If Kenyans have rejected you, step aside and let the country move forward,” she added.
Both Gachagua and Karua presented a united front, openly criticizing the president and signaling growing opposition to his leadership, particularly from Mt Kenya leaders.
Their remarks underscore the deepening divisions within Kenya’s political landscape as leaders position themselves ahead of future elections.
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