Gachagua condemn State House meetings as divisive as Ruto hosts Murang’a grassroots leaders

President William Ruto today hosted grassroots leaders from Murang’a County at State House, Nairobi, sparking sharp criticism from opposition figures who accuse the administration of using meetings styled as development convening sessions as political tools to divide the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 polls.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sharply condemned the ongoing meetings at State House, describing them as a haven for corruption.

On his part, the Head of State his administration’s emphasised his administration’s commitment to moving away from divisive politics.

“There is no longer any room in Kenya for tribalistic and retrogressive politics that enrich a few at the expense of the many. We are charting a new course; one of bold, visionary leadership that transforms lives and unites our nation,” President Ruto noted.

Even as Ruto hosted a multitude of people drawn from Murang’a at State House, a section of Murang’a leaders snubbed the meet convened by the president and instead paid a visit to Gachagua at his Karen residence in Nairobi.

Today’s delegation is the latest of tens of meetings Ruto has been holding with leaders drawn from the various regions countrywide alongside the controversial empowerment programmes being championed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki which political pundits have since dismissed as “political tokenism”.

“What we are witnessing in State House and in rallies by politicians is not empowerment. It is patronage and clientelism. It is tokenism and that is what it is. You cannot explain that in any other way in terms of political science or political ideology,” Dr. Martin Oloo said during television show on Citizen TV.

At State House today, President Ruto detailed substantial financial commitments to Murang’a County’s development agenda and announced that his administration has set aside Sh23 billion to construct 10,300 affordable houses, demonstrating the administration’s focus on addressing housing challenges in the region.

Speaking at his Karen residence during a visit with members of the Murang’a County Assembly, the former Deputy President has criticised President Ruto accusing him of misappropriating public funds to bribe support for his presidency.

Gachagua claimed that taxpayers’ money is being used corruptly under the guise of mobilisation, highlighting that these gatherings are nothing but platforms for illicit dealings rather than genuine dialogue.

The Murang’a Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) were led by their Majority Whip Maurice Thuku who vowed to support and submit to the direction of the former DP henceforth.

Kanyenyaini Ward MCA Grace Nduta stated that the county’s leadership and region had decided to stand with Gachagua after being duped by the current administration.

Gachagua claimed that instead of allocating resources towards critical sectors like education,  healthcare, school capitation and public hospital funding, the government is allegedly channeling funds into corrupt schemes.

He further condemned the lack of tangible development under President Ruto’s leadership, asserting that the president has done little in terms of actual progress and has no right to boast about achievements that do not exist.

Gachagua has also warned of a scheme aimed at dividing Mount Kenya, urging the people of the region to remain resilient.

He called on residents to be vigilant and to identify leaders who are selfish and working with distractors to undermine the region’s unity and progress.

“When I came to office, the construction of Mau Mau roads in Murang’a was at 20 per cent. Now they are at 65 per cent,” President Ruto explained.

Some of the roads under construction or whose procurement is underway include Kandara-Gakui-Gatitu, Manjuu-Kagumo-ini-Kariti, Kaaha-ini-Kiranga and Kinyona-Njabini.

Also in the pipeline are Mbombo-Maragua Ridge-Gwa Thamaki, Gatura-Ngere-Karangi, Kigumo town roads, Mugeka-Kiria-ini-Kairo, Karugia-Cuui-Kagumo-ini, and Gacharage-Gicagi-ini-Kangarin roads, among others.

Present were Deputy President Kithure  Kindiki, MPs Betty Maina (Women Rep), Veronica Maina (Nominated Senator), Sabina Chege (Nominated), Mary Wamaua (Maragua) ,Peter Kihungi (Kangema) and Edwin Mugo (Mathioya).

“I salute the members of Parliament and the entire Murang’a leadership for standing firm and supporting this government,” Kindiki said.

He urged them to remain steadfast in supporting the government.

The MPs said they would rally behind the government and ensure it is re-elected in 2027.