Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi in Eldoret on June 6, 2025. /MATHEWS NDANYI
More than 30 MPs allied to President William Ruto have strongly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua saying he will fail in his attempt to block the president from securing a second term.
The MPs dismissed Gachagua as a political failure, lacking the influence to make Ruto a one-term president.
Several, mainly from the Mt Kenya region, questioned how Gachagua could cause Ruto to lose power in 2027, given he did not even serve a full term as deputy.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, who led the group, accused Gachagua of relying on tribalism — a strategy he said would lead nowhere in politics.
He spoke on Friday in Kapseret Constituency at an economic empowerment event organised by area MP Oscar Sudi.
Also present was Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
“It’s no surprise we impeached him. Even his own family should be ashamed of his loose talk and poor behaviour,” Ichung'wah said.
Other legislators who attended the event included Florence Jematia, Japheth Nyakundi, Reuben Kiborek, Adams Kipsanai, Samwel Chepkonga, Phyllis Bartoo, Joseph Wainaina, Ziporah Kering, Innocent Mugabe, Carolyne Ngelechei, Allan Chesang, Anthony Wainaina, Ann Wamuratha, Betty Maina, Sabina Chege, and Erick Wamumbi.
The MPs condemned Gachagua for engaging in what they called petty tribal politics, describing it as outdated and irrelevant for the nation.
Ichung'wah accused Gachagua of seeking power through chaos, referring to his recent remarks on the 2007/8 post-election violence.
“A man who celebrates the suffering of our people during 2007/8 cannot lead this country,” Ichung'wah said.
He added that with Gachagua leading the opposition, they would be defeated by Ruto early in the 2027 elections.
“We don’t even need Ruto to run again. Even Sudi could defeat them easily,” Ichung'wah said.
He criticised Gachagua for opposing current economic empowerment initiatives led by Kenya Kwanza, while failing to present his own agenda.
“When asked about their plans, they always say it’s about Ruto. But Ruto is the President of Kenya and cannot be anyone’s agenda,” Ichung'wah said.
He urged residents of Mt Kenya and other Kenyans not to be misled by Gachagua and the opposition.
Ichung'wah said Gachagua now travels with a group of 'rejected politicians' who had their time in power but failed to deliver.
Oscar Sudi angrily rebuked Gachagua for claiming that Ruto was distributing funds used in the empowerment programmes.
Sudi clarified that no government money was involved, adding: “He keeps talking about Ruto. If he does not respect the President, we will respond politically.”
Sudi said his empowerment programme was fully supported by himself and friends from Tanzania.
The Mt Kenya MPs present said they were tired of intimidation by Gachagua and would confront him politically.
Wamumbi pledged unwavering support for Ruto and predicted Gachagua would face a humiliating defeat in 2027.
“He should respect the President and other elected leaders,” Wamumbi said.
Mbadi called it shameful for a former Deputy President to continue spreading anger, hatred and tribalism.
“As a leader, you must measure your words. You don’t have to be petty and tribal all the time,” he said.
Chege said Ruto deserves a second term for his development agenda and criticised Gachagua for undermining even musicians from Mt Kenya.
Governor Bii said Rift Valley residents were proud of Ruto for his nationwide development projects.
“That is why we support the broad-based government which has united all Kenyans,” Bii said.
Nyakundi and other MPs praised Sudi for his unique empowerment programme and described him as approachable, especially to his Kapseret constituents.
Nyakundi highlighted Ruto’s achievements in agriculture, including reforms in the sugar and coffee sectors.
“Let us not forget when the president does good things. We should not be swayed by those who were impeached and cannot match our president,” he said.
Kiborek said opposition leaders relied on insults and anger, revealing their lack of direction.
“Gachagua is a very toxic leader who even deserves to be impeached by his own family. He does not deserve to lead anyone,” Kiborek said.
