Ruto, Gachagua face off in explosive Nyandarua showdown during MP Kiaraho’s requiem mass

Political tensions flared dramatically in Nyandarua County today as President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua clashed publicly during a requiem mass for the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.

The emotionally charged event, held at the proposed Nyandarua University grounds at Captain, marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024—and it quickly turned political.

Gachagua, who was not listed in the official programme, arrived early and took a seat at the main dais, later explaining his presence as a show of solidarity with the late MP.

Granted an opportunity to speak, the former Deputy president Delivered a combative address, using the platform to reassert his influence in the Mt Kenya region and criticise allies of the President. He singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, accusing him and others of betrayal.

“I told you, Mr President… the boys keeping you company will lead you astray,” Gachagua said, in remarks directed at Ruto, warning that the President had surrounded himself with the wrong advisers.

The tension was further evident as Ruto reportedly avoided greeting his former deputy despite sharing the same podium, underscoring the deepening rift between the two leaders.

The two leaders who shared a podium for the first time this year, engaged in a war of words over a myriad of issues, among them the 2024 impeachment of former president Rigathi Gachagua and the 2027 presidential contest.

Gachagua directed salvos at President Ruto, saying that he managed to impeach him from office but he cannot impeach him from the hearts of the people of Mount Kenya.

“You managed to hound me out of office, but as you can see the people of Mount Kenya still love me. I am still in people’s hearts.

“When l was being hounded out of office the late Kiaraho was intimidated and asked to take part in the illegal proceedings, but stayed firm. All the other MPs were paid to impeach me. He never betrayed me that is why l am here to mourn the hero,” stated Gachagua amid cheers from the crowd.

“We overwhelmingly voted for you, but ahead of the 2027 polls, you will have to convince us to give you a second term. You betrayed my people and hence lost the respect you had gotten,” added Gachagua.

Gachagua further asked President Ruto to tame his lieutenants led by Kimani Ichungwa to stop insulting him all the time.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu who was the first to speak, charged the mourners, after he accused President Ruto’s allies of developing a habit of insulting the former DP.

“I respect you, Mr President… but I do not fear you,” Mr Methu said, igniting political storm in the presence of President Ruto, his estranged former deputy, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the tense requiem service for the late MP.

Senator Methu, who described Gachagua as the people’s deputy president, dared Ruto-allied leaders to speak ill of him during the requiem mass.

“(National Assembly Majority Leader) Kimani Ichungwa, I dare you insult the people’s deputy president in his presence today, here in Nyandarua and you will see fire…just dare,” said the senator amid cheers from the crowd.

Gachagua also demanded respect toward former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging political leaders and supporters to refrain from persistent public criticism of the retired leader.

He appealed to politicians to ensure that political differences do not turn into personal commentary against the former president.

“We humbly ask the president that even if your people have issues with our community and me, let them refrain from criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru Kenyatta is retired and should be given space to rest. He served visibly, and we ask that he be accorded respect,” Gachagua said.

On his part, President Ruto told off his former deputy saying he cannot be drawn in personal wars and he cannot seek anybody’s permission to visit any part of the county as the Head of State.

On matters development after a dress-down by Nyandarua Senator Methu on a litany of unfulfilled projects made to them, the president pledged to complete stalled road projects and support the construction of a Level 4 Hospital in Ol Kalou constituency, saying it follows concerns raised by residents of the area.

Ruto said he had received a long list of infrastructure priorities from local leaders and residents, particularly on roads, and assured them that the government would act.

“I have been given a long list of roads, and I want to assure the people here that we will complete them,” Ruto said.

He specifically pointed to key road links in the area, noting that poor infrastructure has continued to hinder movement and economic activity.