Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a sharp political attack on President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah following chaotic scenes witnessed during his Kikuyu Constituency rally in Kiambu County.
The Saturday, April 11 event, which was marked by heavy security presence and disruptions involving teargas and running battles between police and unidentified groups, has since escalated into a political blame game between rival camps in the Mount Kenya region.
Addressing his supporters after the incident, Gachagua accused the Head of State and the Kikuyu MP of orchestrating intimidation tactics aimed at suppressing his political influence in the region.
“Mr. William Ruto and Kimani Ichung’wah are the greatest political cowards in the country,” Gachagua said in a strongly worded statement that has further intensified political tensions.
He further claimed that the use of force during the rally would not deter what he described as a growing political movement in the region.
“The use of police, live ammunition and teargas cannot stop an idea whose time has come. Thank you the great people of Kikuyu for their bravery, courage and resilience,” he added.
Gachagua insisted that the Kikuyu electorate had demonstrated resilience in the face of what he termed as state-backed intimidation, praising supporters for maintaining their presence despite the disruption that rocked the gathering.
He also suggested that the events of the day reflected shifting political sentiments ahead of the 2027 general election, claiming residents had already made key political decisions.
“You have proven you cannot be intimidated by Ruto and Ichung’wah by whatever means and you made hard decisions about 2027,” he stated.
In a further escalation of rhetoric, Gachagua declared that President Ruto’s administration would serve only one term, while hinting at political consequences for his allies.
“Ruto is one-term and Ichung’wah must follow him to Sugoi,” he said, in remarks likely to deepen divisions within the Kenya Kwanza political alliance.
The former Deputy President also expressed appreciation to his supporters for what he described as a “warm, heroic and ecstatic welcome,” adding that he remained committed to the region’s political interests.
“I promise you I will not let you down the people of Kikuyu,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in the Mount Kenya region, where emerging realignments and rivalries between former allies have increasingly defined local political engagements.