Rigathi Gachagua Warns Ruto Against Betraying Mt Kenya Voters: "They'll Never Forget"

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned President William Ruto not to forget the loyalty and support of the Mt Kenya region
• Gachagua reminded leaders of the crucial role Mt Kenya voters played in Kenya Kwanza's victory
• The DP said that while Mt Kenya residents are kind and forgiving, they do not forget the betrayal, subtly urging Ruto to fulfil promises made to the region
• His remarks come amid speculation surrounding his potential impeachment, adding political weight to his plea for Mt Kenya's respect

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nyeri - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto.

The second in command urged the head of state not to forget the loyalty and support he received from the Mt Kenya region during his presidential campaign.

During the memorial service for the 21 victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire at Mweiga Stadium on Thursday, September 26, Gachagua reminded Ruto and other leaders of the crucial role Mt Kenya voters played in the Kenya Kwanza victory.

The DP highlighted that while the people of Mt Kenya are known for their kindness and forgiveness, they do not forget when betrayed.

"The people of the mountain are very good people; they are very trusting, and they are very kind, very loving; they return love with love, and they return kindness with kindness. They are very forgiving but they don't forget," Gachagua stated.

What is Gachagua's plea on Mt Kenya's behalf?

The DP's sentiments appeared to be a subtle reminder to Ruto to treat the Mt Kenya region with respect and fulfil the promises made to them.

Gachagua stressed that treating Mt Kenya residents with respect is the right thing to do.

"I appeal to everybody to treat the people of the mountain with kindness because it's the right thing to do. These people were there, they are there today, and they'll be there tomorrow," Gachagua added.

The embattled DP's comments come amid ongoing political chatter about his looming impeachment.

Will Gachagua be impeached

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Bungoma-based political commentator and human rights defender, Philip Wanyonyi Wekesa suggested that the push for Gachagua's ouster is merely a distraction from the pressing issues affecting Kenyans.

"He will not be impeached as a section of his opponents want, but they have succeeded in slightly dividing Mt. Kenya, thanks to Gachagua's conduct," Wekesa stated.

Wekesa pointed out that the impeachment attempt diverts attention from significant national challenges such as the Adani scandal

"Impeachment of Gachagua is also a distraction from the real issues affecting Kenyans—like the Adani scandal at the airports, striking Kenyans, the university crisis, the education sector, and missing demonstrators. Such distractions usually help leadership organize themselves and divide the opposition leadership," Wekesa explained.

Why Gachagua is angry at Ruto

Earlier, the deputy president decried being despised by Cabinet secretaries and other juniors who have exploded into an- all-out war against him.

He seemed to lay the blame on Ruto, implying that the latter had stepped back to see him face trouble.

In an appeal to the president, Gachagua reminded him of the vow he made when they got into office after the 2022 vote.

He recalled that Ruto promised not to allow denigration on him, as was the case during former president Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure when the current president was humiliated.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke