Gachagua Blasts Mt. Kenya MPs as ‘Foolish’ Over Unwavering Support for Ruto

Former Deputy President launches scathing attack on regional legislators, accusing them of blind loyalty while community faces marginalization

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a blistering attack on Members of Parliament from the Mount Kenya region, branding them as “foolish” for their unconditional support of President William Ruto despite what he claims is systematic marginalization of their constituents.

Speaking at AIPCA Gatumbi church in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County on Sunday, the now-Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader delivered an uncompromising critique of regional MPs, suggesting they have failed their electorate through blind allegiance to the president.

“How foolish are you, members of parliament from this region? William Ruto is laughing at you,” Gachagua declared to the congregation. “The people from his community, he takes them to the military, to the police, to NYS, to KRA.”

The former Deputy President painted a picture of systematic exclusion, alleging that while other communities benefit from government appointments in key institutions, Mount Kenya youth are being sidelined and misused. He claimed the region’s young people are being “rendered useless” and exploited for political violence while being encouraged toward alcoholism.

Gachagua questioned how the MPs could remain comfortable while witnessing what he described as the deliberate marginalization of their constituents, particularly in employment opportunities within government institutions.

“When the history of this community is written, the members of parliament from this community will have a whole chapter of the most foolish leaders ever elected in the Mount Kenya region,” he stated emphatically.

“You are an embarrassment to the people of this region.”

Beyond targeting regional MPs, Gachagua also dismissed President Ruto’s recent apology to Generation Z protesters, calling it inadequate and insincere.

He argued that a genuine apology would involve direct engagement with families of those who were abducted or killed during the protests, along with proper compensation.

“How do you issue Ruto apologise about the loss of lives in such a casual manner? People were abducted, and there is no ‘if’ it happened,” Gachagua said, echoing similar sentiments expressed by ODM leader Raila Odinga during Madaraka Day celebrations.

Gachagua’s harsh words represent a significant escalation in his criticism of the current administration since his removal from the deputy presidency. His comments suggest a deepening rift between the former allies and could signal an attempt to mobilize Mount Kenya politicians against the current government.

The timing of these remarks, coming just a day after his political rally in Machakos, indicates a sustained campaign to challenge President Ruto’s support base in the Mount Kenya region, which was crucial to his 2022 electoral victory.

The former Deputy President’s accusations touch on sensitive issues of ethnic balance in government appointments and resource allocation—perennial concerns in Kenyan politics. His claim that Mount Kenya has been systematically excluded from key government positions could resonate with regional voters if substantiated.

However, his confrontational approach risks further polarizing an already tense political landscape, particularly as the country grapples with economic challenges and the aftermath of last year’s youth-led protests.

The response from Mount Kenya MPs to Gachagua’s characterization of them as “foolish” and “embarrassing” will likely shape the political discourse in the coming days, as will any reaction from the presidency to these latest allegations.

As Gachagua continues his political offensive against his former boss, his ability to convince Mount Kenya legislators and voters of his narrative could significantly impact the region’s political alignment ahead of future electoral contests.