Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reignited his criticism of President William Ruto, this time accusing him of harassing Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi over his growing defiance against the administration.
Speaking during a TikTok live session on Thursday, Gachagua alleged that Ruto sent abusive and condescending messages to Muturi following a heckling incident at the funeral of Eric Mutugi, son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti.
The Funeral Heckling Incident
During the funeral, mourners interrupted Muturi as he prepared to read a condolence message from President Ruto, loudly voicing their discontent. Gachagua claimed that the incident was wrongly attributed to Muturi’s alleged incitement.
“It is unnecessary to harass Muturi. They’re accusing him of organizing the rejection of Ruto’s condolence message, which is completely untrue. The president sent him abusive texts, blaming him unfairly,” said Gachagua.
He added, “The people of the mountain rejected that message, not because of Muturi, but because they feel betrayed and deceived.”
Muturi’s Bold Stance and the Fallout
Muturi has been at the center of political controversy recently, openly questioning the government’s handling of sensitive issues, including abductions. His criticism has sparked backlash from Ruto’s allies, who have called for his resignation.
Despite the mounting pressure, Muturi remains steadfast, garnering sympathy from some quarters, including Gachagua, who views the attacks as part of a broader crackdown on dissent within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua’s Warning to Western Kenya
Gachagua also took the opportunity to caution voters in Western Kenya against falling for President Ruto’s political strategies, which he described as deceptive.
“I want to tell Western Kenya to be careful. The president was here for five years, charming us into voting for him. Now he doesn’t even visit us because we’ve realized we were conned,” Gachagua remarked.
Political Strategy and Meetings at Wamunyoro
The former deputy president shed light on his recent meetings at his Wamunyoro home, clarifying that they were aimed at gathering feedback from citizens rather than endorsing any particular political agenda.
“I believe in people-centered decisions, so I’ve been consulting widely. While some leaders may attend these meetings to boost their political fortunes, my doors remain open to everyone,” Gachagua explained.
He further revealed that he intends to compile the feedback by the end of January, noting the overwhelming number of views shared so far.
A Nation at Crossroads
Gachagua’s latest remarks paint a picture of rising tensions within the political landscape, highlighting divisions within the Kenya Kwanza regime and dissatisfaction among key figures from Mount Kenya.
As the nation inches closer to the 2027 elections, these political spats and realignments could play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s future leadership.
