Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence following President William Ruto’s recent tour of Murang’a County, where the Head of State drew a notably large crowd during a series of public engagements.
Speaking shortly after the visit, Gachagua downplayed the significance of the turnout, alleging that many of those who attended the rallies had been financially induced.
According to the former Deputy President, individuals were reportedly paid between KSh1,000 and KSh2,000 to show up, casting doubt on the authenticity of the public support witnessed during the event.
President Ruto, who was accompanied by key allies including Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, used the Murang’a visit to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the Mount Kenya region.
He stated that he would continue touring the area freely, emphasizing that he does not require political intermediaries to connect with residents.
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However, Gachagua criticized the visit, claiming that it exposed inconsistencies in the government’s development agenda.
He alleged that road contractors who had been working in the region abruptly left alongside the President’s entourage, suggesting that their presence had been orchestrated to create a false impression of ongoing development projects.
In a sharp but measured tone, Gachagua invited President Ruto to extend his tour to Nyeri County, asserting that residents there would also benefit from the alleged financial handouts. “He is welcome to Nyeri,” Gachagua said, adding that the people of the county “also need money.”
The exchange underscores the growing political tension between the two leaders, once close allies, as the battle for influence in the Mount Kenya region intensifies ahead of future political contests.