Rigathi Gachagua made a fiery return to public politics today during a charged rally at Kangari Shopping Centre in Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a County.
After weeks of silence, the former deputy president stormed the event with renewed energy, directly attacking President William Ruto and introducing a new name for him — “Githinji.”
The comeback was marked by strong words, open defiance, and an unexpected moment of tension that nearly turned violent.
During his address, Gachagua accused Ruto of betrayal, claiming the president had abandoned the Mt Kenya region despite overwhelming support in the 2022 election.
“You, Githinji, we elected you, we loved you, and voted for you,” he said before the cheering crowd. “But you betrayed us and used our people only to sideline them once you took power.”
The statement drew loud applause from his supporters, many of whom have felt neglected by the current administration.
The rally was meant to strengthen the base of Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), but it also exposed growing cracks within the Mt Kenya political landscape.
The atmosphere became tense when a known Ruto ally stood up and shouted the slogan “Tutam!”—a chant associated with support for Ruto’s re-election.
Witnesses say the crowd turned hostile, and the man was nearly beaten before security officers quickly intervened to escort him out.
The outburst highlighted how sharply divided the region has become between pro-Ruto and pro-Gachagua factions.
Observers noted that the term “Githinji,” used by Gachagua to refer to Ruto, appears intended as a mocking nickname, symbolising anger and disillusionment within Mt Kenya.
His remarks signaled that the battle for the mountain’s loyalty is far from over. Gachagua accused Ruto’s government of intimidation and economic neglect, claiming his supporters are being harassed while those loyal to Ruto receive government favors.
Political analysts believe Gachagua’s re-emergence could dramatically reshape Kenya’s political direction ahead of 2027.
By attacking Ruto so openly and portraying himself as a defender of Mt Kenya’s interests, Gachagua is positioning himself as both a regional power broker and a potential national challenger.
The growing rift between the two once-close allies could soon evolve into a full-blown political showdown.
The Murang’a rally ended peacefully after security forces restored calm, but the message was unmistakable: Gachagua is back on the scene, louder and more defiant than ever.
As he revives his political movement and calls the president “Githinji,” the battle lines in Mt Kenya are being redrawn — and Ruto may soon face one of his toughest political fights yet.
