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Ruto Hits Back at Gachagua in Heated Exchange at MP Kiaraho Burial
President William Ruto has hit back at Rigathi Gachagua following his explosive remarks directed at the Head of State and his allies during a funeral ceremony in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
Speaking during the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, Ruto appeared to respond to Gachagua’s earlier sentiments in which he had declared himself the leader of the Mt Kenya region and suggested he would allow the President to address mourners.
The President dismissed the notion, insisting that he does not require permission from anyone to speak to Kenyans, particularly in his capacity as Head of State.
“I cannot be asked for permission from anybody, nor am I going to ask for permission from anybody. I will speak and deliver to all the people of Kenya as the President of Kenya,” Ruto said.
At the same time, the President responded to criticism from Nyandarua Senator Joe Methu over delays in road projects in the county, signaling that his response would be through action rather than words.
“They have spoken on me, but I will not respond here. I will only come here to respond to developments. However, I cannot allow you to abuse us and promote tribalism. I must deliver on the promises,” Ruto stated.
Ruto further indicated that political differences with Gachagua’s camp would be addressed in the appropriate political arena rather than at a burial, even as he defended leaders such as the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, urging them and other young leaders to continue serving without fear or intimidation.
“I want to encourage the young people of the Republic of Kenya not to be intimidated by what they will do to you. Serve Kenyans fearlessly, and it is up to the citizens to decide, not the other political actors who spoke before me,” the President added.
Ruto’s comments followed after Gachagua and Methu, who were also attending the burial, slammed him and his administration over what they both described as attempts to leave out the region in development projects despite heavily backing him in the 2022 elections.
During his speech, Gachagua strongly criticised Inchung’wah for allegedly fuelling violence in the Mt Kenya region.
According to the former DP, the Kikuyu lawmaker was allegedly orchestrating a plot to hire goons to attack his convoy ahead of his trip to the legislator’s constituency.
At the same time, Gachagua also threw jabs at National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over what he claimed was a disturbing trend against the Parliamentary Standing Orders by allowing legislators to mention his name with no object during parliamentary debates-Kenyans.co.ke.