Gachagua Issues Direct Appeal to Ruto in Fiery Nyandarua Burial Address
Politics Updated: 08 April 2026 17:50 EAT
Photo Courtesy: Rigathi Gachagua on X
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday attended the burial of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County, delivering a charged speech that blended mourning with sharp political messaging.
The burial ceremony, held in Ol Kalou, drew a large crowd of leaders, residents and mourners, quickly evolving into a politically significant event in the Mt. Kenya region.
In his address, Gachagua directly appealed to William Ruto, warning of rising tensions and calling for urgent intervention.
“Mr. President, I had told you before we disagreed that young people are moving around, and some are being put in danger,” Gachagua said.
“I advised you that people from the mountain do not like insults,” he added, emphasizing growing discontent within the region.
Gachagua further accused the President of ignoring earlier warnings, stating, “I told you that betrayal is not forgiven among our people. You chose to listen to Kimani Ichung’wah, and now this community is rejecting that.”
He questioned unfulfilled promises, saying, “Now you hear him saying he will return after two weeks, yet it has been years.”
In a conciliatory tone, Gachagua urged reconciliation, stating, “Mr. President, I am asking you, my brother, please create peace with this community.”
“Look for friendship with this community—do not ignore them. Our children are being put in danger,” he continued.
The former Deputy President insisted that regional support for the President remains intact despite ethnic differences, noting, “We are not tribal; we will support you. You are not a Kikuyu, but we will still vote for you.”
He, however, warned against mistreatment, adding, “We ask you, going forward, do not abuse our community. Let us be together in unity and peace.”
“Even if you do not want us, do not mistreat us. We supported you, we worked with you, and we can still work with you—but our children are suffering,” he said.
Reflecting on past political cooperation, Gachagua stated, “When you came to power, I worked with you. I have listened even when Uhuru Kenyatta was speaking.”
“And now we are asking you, Mr. President, to listen to us as well,” he added.
Turning to the broader context, Gachagua said, “The President, as you have seen today, we want to see progress moving forward.”
“It is true. I came from the office, but I came with the spirit of these people who sent me,” he remarked.
He used a metaphor to describe the weight of his message, stating, “Being sent by the spirit of these people from the mountain is like cutting down hard trees with an axe.”
Gachagua also raised security concerns ahead of political engagements, warning, “I am asking you, Mr. President, please tell Kimani Ichung’wah that when we go to Kikuyu on Saturday, he should not organize people to beat others, burn houses, or destroy businesses.”
“Tell him to stop that behavior because a child can be harmed at any time,” he added.
On leadership conduct, he criticized remarks linked to Kithure Kindiki, stating, “I have seen Professor Kindiki, and I think he has made a mistake because in this community we have respect for the dead.”
“All over the world, we do not discuss inheritance before someone is buried. The Professor should correct himself,” Gachagua said.
He emphasized cultural norms, adding, “Let us not talk about Kiaraho’s seat before he is buried.”
“This goes against the customs of our community and of Kenya as a whole,” he noted.
Gachagua concluded by referencing parliamentary procedure, stating, “Finally, I saw the Speaker of the National Assembly speaking about standing orders. I want to draw your attention to Standing Order 51, which says that to discuss such a matter, a substantive motion must be brought forward.”
“In the National Assembly, there must be a substantive motion. A member must present a written and signed motion, and it must be approved by the Speaker before it is placed on the order paper for debate,” he said.
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FELIX MAKONA
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