Ruto fires back at Gachagua, defends State House guest list
President William Ruto has hit back at criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, firmly defending his decision to host members of the Akorino Church at State House today, Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Speaking during the Akorino Israel thanksgiving service held at the country’s Head of State official residence, Ruto asserted his authority over State House, making it clear that he would not be dictated to on who to invite.
He emphasised that the seat of power remains open to all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation or background.
“You are speaking about food? The food is not yours, the one cooking is not your wife, the one inviting is not you, and where people are seated is not your home. Why are you asking questions about State House? I’m the boss here,” Ruto said.
The President maintained that criticism would not deter him from engaging with different groups, adding that he would continue to welcome guests despite objections from his critics. “You are all welcome to State House and if they continue complaining, I will still welcome them and see what they will do,” he added.
In a pointed jab at his detractors, Ruto dismissed claims that those attending such events are motivated by personal gain, terming the accusations as “stomach politics.”
He mocked the criticism, suggesting it was baseless and trivial.
“You did not even get enough food; I would have slaughtered more. The person asking about food has a big stomach. I walk with my stomach. When I get served tea, I take it as we go on. Speaking about stomach issues is nonsense,” he said.
Earlier, Gachagua had accused the President of exploiting the Akorino faithful for political mileage.
He alleged that they had been invited to State House to “pray for him and sanitise him,” while criticising them for what he described as self-serving motives.
“For the Akorino going to the State House, please speak for your stomachs, not us. You join the long list of traitors who have turned against their own to fill their stomachs,” Gachagua said.
The latest exchange adds to the growing public fallout between the two leaders, which has increasingly played out in public forums.
Just last week, Ruto and Gachagua clashed during a funeral service in Ol Kalou for area MP David Kiaraho, turning the solemn event into a political battleground.
During the service, conducted by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, both leaders made veiled attacks as they sought to rally support from the Mt Kenya region.
Ruto used the occasion to praise the late MP as a development-focused leader, contrasting his approach with what he described as politics driven by “noise, fights and insults.”
“I knew him when he was elected MP and can bear witness that he was focused, forthright, and committed. Every time he invited me here, it was about development for the people,” Ruto said.
“It reminds us today that Kenyans recognise work, not noise, fights, insults and drama,” he added.
