Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday found himself in a tense and dramatic moment during a funeral ceremony in Murang’a County after a bold leader publicly declared that President William Ruto would serve two terms in office, directly contradicting Gachagua’s perceived political stance.
The former second in command was attending the burial ceremony alongside several Mt. Kenya leaders, including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and other local politicians.
Gachagua, who has been making a slow political comeback after weeks of silence, appeared calm as leaders took turns addressing mourners. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when a youthful leader identified as Sam took the microphone.
According to a video circulating widely online, Sam began his address by expressing condolences to the bereaved family before turning his attention to politics.
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In a direct and bold statement aimed at Gachagua, he declared that the “one-term narrative” being pushed by certain leaders in the region would not succeed, insisting that President Ruto would be re-elected in 2027.
“Let me tell you today, Your Excellency Gachagua, this talk of one term is dead on arrival. The people of Murang’a and the mountain stand firmly behind President Ruto for ten years,” Sam said amid mixed reactions from the crowd.
His remarks sparked instant murmurs and jeers from a section of mourners who appeared displeased, while others cheered in support. The charged moment forced the master of ceremony to intervene briefly to restore calm before the speeches continued.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who had invited Sam to speak, appeared uneasy as the confrontation unfolded. Nonetheless, the speaker went on to accuse Gachagua of fueling division in the Mt. Kenya region and attempting to undermine the President’s authority by advancing a personal political agenda.
The incident has since triggered heated debate across social media platforms, with Kenyans sharply divided over the confrontation. Supporters of President Ruto praised the young man’s courage, saying it was time to put an end to what they described as Gachagua’s divisive politics.
On the other hand, Gachagua’s allies criticized the move, accusing Ruto’s camp of using funerals to attack opponents instead of focusing on uniting the region.
This public exchange comes just days after Gachagua made his first major political appearance since going silent following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The former Deputy President had previously hinted at returning to active politics, urging Mt. Kenya leaders to unite and safeguard the region’s political future.
However, the latest confrontation in Murang’a underscores the growing rift between factions loyal to President Ruto and those sympathetic to Gachagua within the UDA party.
As political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 general election, the dramatic exchange serves as a clear sign that the battle for Mt. Kenya’s political direction is far from over.
[Watch the viral video below.]
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