I will lead Mt Kenya from Kamiti, Gachagua dares arrest

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a political rally at Mulu Mutisya grounds in Machakos town on May 30, 2025. [John Muia, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dared President William Ruto to arrest him or deny him freedom of movement in and outside the country.

A defiant Gachagua announced that he is ready to lead the Mt Kenya region politically from prison, with ready mentees to take over from him.

“Even if you imprison me, I will give direction to Mt Kenya from Kamiti Maximum Prison. Mt Kenya is done with you. Even if you kill me, I have mentored capable leaders to take over from me,” said Gachagua.

He spoke during the funeral of Nominated Nyandarua MCA Beth Wahito in Kinangop, Nyandarua County where he revealed that the government had planned to arrest him.

“Ruto’s strategy was to turn the June 25 protests into chaos then blame it on me. After that, they were to arrest me. They have now planned to stop me from leaving the country,” he said.

Gachagua is expected to tour the United States (US) to meet the diaspora community with an intention of rallying support and funds to bankroll his anti-government campaigns.

He took issue with DCI boss Mohammed Amin saying that the agency has failed in arresting the real culprits behind the violent protests and looting of businesses.

“I saw Kimani Ichungwah claim that someone wanted his father dead. I saw other MPs claim they know who planned the violence. Let them record statements linking me then I will respond. People should stop making such false remarks,” he said.

He questioned why the DCI was yet to arrest the real perpetrators of the violence when they had enough evidence on camera.

“Our former President Uhuru Kenyatta invested heavily in installing CCTV cameras in Nairobi. Why haven’t they used the footage to arrest the looters? Why are they going for easy targets who are innocent youth?” he posed.

The former Deputy President slammed President Ruto, claiming that without his efforts to mobilise Mt Kenya voters, Ruto would never have made it to State House.

“Mr Ruto you thought you will intimidate me, but you can’t. Ichungwah has lied to you that you took yourself to Mt Kenya when I did it. If you agree with him, bring yourself to Mt Kenya again,” he said.

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara hit out at Ruto, terming his strategy as a ‘use and dump’.

“Ruto used Gachagua to ascend to power because he knew he was a great mobilizer. The same way he mobilized the region into Kenya Kwanza is the same way we shall walk out on him come 2027 polls,” said Kihara.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu said that he was ready to pay the ultimate cost, reiterating that his friendship with Ruto was irredeemably destroyed.