Gachagua Claims Mt Kenya Has Decided To Replace Ruto In The Incoming Election Talks
Politics Updated: 04 July 2026 18:18 EAT
Photo courtesy : Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a political mobilization drive in Githunguri Kiambu County
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political confrontation with President William Ruto, alleging that Mt Kenya leaders have already made a collective decision to remove him from power in a future election. He said discussions are ongoing on who will take over leadership, insisting the process is structured, deliberate, and politically irreversible.
“Who will replace Ruto? Bado, but the decision that he be replaced has been made. Tumekubaliana decision ya kwamba lazima abadilishwe imekubalika, as to who, bado mazungumzo yanaendelea. Tuendelee kuzungumza…”
Gachagua dismissed claims that Mt Kenya politics is fragmented or confused, accusing external actors and sections of the media of attempting to distort the region’s position. He insisted that leaders are coordinated and politically aware, warning against attempts to manufacture division where, in his view, unity already exists.
“Tuendelee kuzungumza, tusizungumzezungumze so that... this is one so-called newspaper, don't waste your newspaper trying to bring confusion. You cannot confuse anybody, we are too intelligent…”
He further alleged that President Ruto used religious messaging and campaign promises during the 2022 election to gain the trust of Mt Kenya voters, but later failed to honour key commitments after assuming office, leading to widespread disillusionment within the region.
“Alikuja na Biblia akadanganya hawa na sisi tukaanguka mtego. Sasa hata siku hizi ukisema 'Bwana asifiwe', tunaangalia kabla ya kusema 'Amina'…”
According to him, this perceived betrayal has fundamentally changed the political psychology of the region, with voters now more cautious and distrustful of political and religious rhetoric used during campaigns.
“True deception. Those two things are never forgiven in this mountain: betrayal has no remedy, deception has no remedy…”
Gachagua accused the president of turning against Mt Kenya politically and economically, arguing that the region now views its relationship with the national government as hostile and punitive in nature.
“Then on top of that, umetangaza vita kwa hii jamii, na hapo ndio shida yetu na wewe iko…”
He said the community feels misled by earlier campaign promises that focused on economic uplift, including empowerment of small traders and youth groups, which he claims have not materialised as expected.
“Alikuwa anaongea mambo ya mama mboga… na boda boda, ati atatutoa chini atupeleke juu…”
Gachagua argued that this has resulted in a sense of collective political regret, with voters feeling embarrassed for having supported the current administration and now seeking corrective political action.
“Ile kidogo ilikuwa kwa mfuko, ikafanya nini? Si alifanya wewe, William Ruto, you deceived the mountain…”
He further alleged that there were deliberate attempts to weaken Mt Kenya’s political unity by dividing it into sub-regions, but insisted such efforts have failed because the region remains culturally and politically cohesive.
“Alianza kugawanya Mount Kenya East na Mount Kenya West… Mlima hapana mipaka, Mlima ni jamii…”
Gachagua questioned the ruling party’s political strength in the region, suggesting that its support base has significantly declined and will not withstand future electoral competition.
“Atafikiza kura 1,000 in this mountain? Atafikisha ngapi?…”
He also accused the government of targeting Mt Kenya economically by removing professionals from key institutions and restricting access to state opportunities, which he claims has weakened livelihoods and reduced economic mobility.
“Watu wetu walikuwa KRA akafukuza. Wale walikuwa Mombasa Port akafukuza…”
He further claimed that delayed payments and bureaucratic clearance requirements have disrupted businesses linked to the region, contributing to financial instability among traders and entrepreneurs.
“Akarudi akasema ile pending bills mti ya Mlima asilipwe anything up to from 50 million going onwards…”
According to Gachagua, the economic strain has had serious social consequences, including business closures, household distress, and in some cases extreme outcomes among affected families.
“Wengine wakaanza kunywa dawa ya depression, wengine wakacommit suicide…”
He also alleged widespread disruption of businesses in key urban trading centres associated with Mt Kenya commerce, claiming that economic activity in those areas has been severely affected.
“Amebomoa manyumba ya Wakikuyu Kariobangi South, amebomoa Ruai…”
Gachagua concluded that the combined political and economic pressures have made reconciliation difficult, stating that the region has already begun recalibrating its political position ahead of future elections.
“Ndio mimi sasa nikaamua hii mtu tuanze kwanza kukosana kutoka hapo kwa sababu nilimsoma na mimi namshukuru Mungu…”
He urged supporters to focus on electoral mobilisation and voter registration, framing the ballot as the only legitimate avenue for resolving the political standoff between Mt Kenya and the national leadership.
“The only way to save ourselves ni tuandikishe kura…”
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FELIX MAKONA
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