Meru, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of using state power to sabotage political rivals.
Speaking at a church service in Rwarera, Meru County on Sunday, Gachagua claimed the president had sent paid youth to block his rallies in Imenti and Tigania East.
According to Gachagua, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was given KSh 3 million to fund the disruption. “Kindiki gave MPs KSh 3 million to pay youths to chase us away and be hostile to us in Imenti,” he said to the congregation. “He even paid them to light a bonfire in Tuskys, but instead, the youth began chanting ‘one term’.”
Despite the alleged efforts to frustrate his meetings, Gachagua said his supporters turned out in large numbers and welcomed him warmly. “They were chanting songs and greeting us with smiles. Those paid youths were the ones shouting ‘one term’. It completely backfired.”
The former deputy president, once a close ally of Ruto, did not hold back. He claimed the president had already lost the support of the Mt Kenya region and should stop counting on it for the 2027 elections.
“Ruto is angry because he knows he has lost the Mountain,” Gachagua said. “I warned him. The people of the Mountain do not like betrayal and lies. They cannot support him anymore.”
He added: “Forget this Mountain. It is gone forever. I gave you good advice, but you ignored me. Don’t include us in your 2027 game plan.”
Gachagua’s remarks mark a deepening rift within the ruling coalition, with more Mt Kenya leaders slowly distancing themselves from the president.
He was joined at the service by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who was dismissed from government and has since become one of Ruto’s vocal critics.
Gachagua also claimed that some bishops had come under pressure from State House. “Some AICPA bishops were called to State House and threatened not to invite me to church,” he said. “The president now wants to decide who should go to which church. Even the archbishops are afraid.”
The accusations add to growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The president’s office has not responded to Gachagua’s claims. Efforts to reach DP Kindiki for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
Observers say the fallout between Ruto and his former deputy could reshape alliances, especially in the Mt Kenya voting bloc, which played a decisive role in the 2022 elections.