William Ruto Scoffs at Gachagua, Accuses Him of Advancing Division: “Will Never Get Anywhere”
- President William Ruto accused his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, of fueling tribalism and outdated politics, saying Kenya belongs to a united and progressive people
- While praising Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as calm and dependable, Ruto contrasted him with his former second in command
- Ruto said his administration is focused on development and service delivery, warning those pushing for nonstop politics
- The president urged Kenyans to reject leaders sowing ethnic discord, insisting that nation-building requires planning and unity, not daily political theatrics
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Meru - President William Ruto has fired fresh political salvos at his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, intensifying a public rift that has reshaped the country’s politics.
Source: Facebook
Speaking on Monday, May 26, during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund, the head of state tore into the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader.
The president accused Gachagua of stoking tribal animosity and promoting a brand of politics that belongs to the past.
Ruto takes on Gachagua
In a carefully worded but pointed speech, Ruto drew a sharp contrast between Gachagua and his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki.
The president praised Kindiki for his calm temperament and national outlook, describing him as a dependable partner in government.
Without naming Gachagua directly, Ruto painted an unflattering picture of his former principal assistant as erratic, divisive, and driven by personal grudges.
"Do not worry. People full of hatred, anger, tantrums, and tribalism will never get anywhere in Kenya because Kenya does not belong to those kinds of people. Kenya belongs to a united, prosperous one nation with a common destiny. We are all one people," Ruto stated.
The president’s remarks come at a time when Gachagua has been visibly ramping up his political activities, positioning himself as a defender of Mt Kenya's economic interests.
His fiery rhetoric has found resonance in some quarters but has also drawn criticism for allegedly narrowing national politics to ethnic calculations.
What is Ruto's message for his critics?
Ruto, clearly responding to growing anti-government sentiments, appeared determined to reclaim the moral and political high ground by stressing unity and development.
The president signalled his focus on service delivery and economic transformation, which he has repeatedly said is the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
Source: Twitter
Ruto observed that Kenya can not develop if in a continuous electioneering mood, pointing out that he's focused on Kenya's future.
He stated that when it would be time for politics, Kenyans would make the choice on the ballot, describing it as judgment day.
"A country cannot be built by petty politics. A country is run and built through planning and development projects. And politics is not something to be done every day. There are people who want us to engage in nonstop politics. We are telling them that the day for politics will come; for now, let us focus on development matters; judgment day will come, the people will decide," Ruto added.
Who reported Gachagua to Ruto?
In a related report, Gachagua alleged that Meru senator Kathuri Murungi reported him to Ruto, worsening their relationship.
Gachagua recounted organising a meeting with Mt Kenya leaders to express concerns about the region's treatment under Ruto's leadership.
He claimed that Murungi later informed the president about this meeting, leading to a harsh reprimand from Ruto.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
