After Temporary Ceasefire, President Ruto Allies Clash with DP Gachagua: Accusations of Blackmail and Political Machinations Heat Up
Following a brief ceasefire, allies of President William Ruto in Mt Kenya have launched a sharp rebuttal against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This comes in response to Gachagua’s December warning that his critics could lose the support of the electorate.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, along with MPs Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), and Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town), have accused the Deputy President of attempting to intimidate them.
During a recent visit to Kiambu County, Gachagua stated, “I am someone who visits villages to gauge public sentiment. Voters have already made firm decisions about 2027, and if you don’t align, you may find yourself sidelined.”
In a Monday interview with the Nation, Ichung’wa alleged that Gachagua uses threats to coerce critics into joining his cause under the guise of advocating for the Mt Kenya region.
Ichung’wa criticized Gachagua for his confrontations with those close to the president, alleging that these disputes stemmed from resistance to Gachagua’s attempts to use the people as leverage against the President. He claimed that Gachagua’s strategy of blackmail is well-known and had previously failed with both the President and Parliament.
Kiunjuri argued that the people of Mt Kenya will evaluate leaders based on their achievements, not their loyalty to the Deputy President. He suggested that Gachagua’s actions resemble opposition politics aimed at becoming the Mt Kenya kingpin. Kiunjuri urged Gachagua to either declare his presidential ambitions for 2027 or support Ruto without disruption.
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Wamumbi rejected the Deputy President’s threats, stating, “Gachagua is not omnipotent and cannot dictate the fate of other leaders. He should focus on mentoring rather than intimidating.”
Mathenge criticized Gachagua’s comments as “pure blackmail” and demanded transparency regarding the Deputy President’s accomplishments and plans for the remaining term.
Dennis Itumbi, recently appointed Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, has faced criticism due to his close ties with young leaders from Mt Kenya, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Itumbi remarked, “I’ve had numerous meetings with the DP, some details of which remain classified. Others might be revealed in future publications or films.”
Contrary to these allegations, the Deputy President’s spokesperson, Njeri Rugene, asserted that no ultimatums have been issued, but rather advice has been given to heed public opinion.
Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutahi, a staunch supporter of the DP, contends that the opposition against Gachagua includes a faction of young leaders from Mt Kenya, Ruto’s social media strategists, and the Council of Governors’ women’s caucus, led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. Mutahi suggested that Waiguru might be positioning herself as a potential successor to Gachagua.
When asked for comment, Waiguru simply replied, “He needs Jesus.”
After Temporary Ceasefire, President Ruto Allies Clash with DP Gachagua: Accusations of Blackmail and Political Machinations Heat Up
