Gachagua Challenges Ruto: Stop Sending Proxies to Insult Uhuru—Confront Him Directly If You’re Man Enough

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a bold challenge to President William Ruto, urging him to stop using political allies to attack former President Uhuru Kenyatta and confront him directly if he has grievances.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Sunday, Gachagua accused Ruto of orchestrating a campaign of disrespect against Kenyatta through proxies like State House operative Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.

“Kama yeye ni mwanaume, usitume watu, umtusi wewe mwenyewe,” Gachagua declared, demanding that Ruto face Kenyatta personally rather than hiding behind his allies.

In a fiery defense of the former president, Gachagua warned that continued attacks would provoke a political backlash.

“Ukitumia vijana kutukana Rais, wakati utakuja hapa tena, nitaambia watu wakutukane,” he said, vowing to mobilize supporters to retaliate.

Gachagua positioned himself as Kenyatta’s chief defender, proclaiming, “Kuanzia leo, mimi nitakuwa mlinzi mkuu wa Uhuru.”

He issued a direct warning to Ruto: “William Ruto, you know me… Ukitumia hiyo vijana kutukana Uhuru Kenyatta, hawa vijana watakutimua.”

The remarks drew loud applause from the crowd, signaling strong local support for Kenyatta in the Mount Kenya region.

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Kathiani MP Robert Mbui urged Kenya Kwanza leaders to exercise restraint, while Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru demanded that Ruto’s allies “accord Uhuru the dignity he deserves.”

The escalating tensions stem from Kenyatta’s recent comments at a wedding in Baringo on Saturday, where he subtly criticized the Ruto administration’s handling of youth unrest.

“When young people talk, they panic,” Kenyatta said, praising the late President Daniel Moi’s confidence in engaging with younger generations.

Ruto’s allies, including Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, hit back, accusing Kenyatta of hypocrisy for sidelining youth during his presidency.

The feud intensified as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, speaking in Garissa, accused Kenyatta of inciting a youth-led uprising, warning that such actions could tarnish his legacy.

The back-and-forth underscores a deepening rift between Kenyatta and Ruto, former allies whose fallout has fueled political divisions in Kenya.

As Gachagua rallies support for Kenyatta in the Mount Kenya heartland, analysts warn that the growing animosity could further polarize the country ahead of future elections.

For now, Gachagua’s challenge to Ruto sets the stage for a high-stakes political showdown, with Kenyatta’s legacy and regional loyalties hanging in the balance.