Gachagua Warns Ruto, Cites Threat to Mt. Kenya Support

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto's camp, further exposing the growing divide within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. Speaking during a church service in Thika on Sunday, Gachagua issued a stern warning to Ruto, cautioning that the President risks losing the support and trust of the Mt. Kenya region if the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party continues to face internal discord.

Gachagua referenced Ruto's own struggles as a deputy president, warning that the trust Mt. Kenya leaders placed in Ruto could erode if he allows his deputy to face public humiliation. “Ruto made one promise that does not require IMF or World Bank funding — that under his watch, he would not allow his deputy to be humiliated. If he cannot keep that one promise, then there is no other thing people can trust him with,” Gachagua asserted.

This comes amid claims that members of the opposition ODM party, led by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma, are allegedly planning to table an impeachment motion against the deputy president next week. Gachagua and his allies, including ousted UDA Secretary General Cleopas Malala, have accused the opposition of sowing discord within Kenya Kwanza, arguing that the impeachment bid has Ruto's tacit approval.

Key speakers at the church service, including Malala, Gathoni wa Muchomba, Karungo Thangwa, and Mejjadonk, warned that any impeachment motion against Gachagua would indicate that Ruto himself has endorsed the move, further deepening the internal rift.

Gachagua’s remarks underscored a sense of urgency within his camp as he urged the President to focus on unity and governance. “I want to urge President Ruto to put his house in order and allow us to work. We have a mandate to fulfill to the Kenyan people; we need to get down to work,” Gachagua emphasized, signaling that tensions within the ruling coalition could have significant political implications ahead of future elections.