Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua acknowledges greetings from residents of Naivasha town, march 29, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/XFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked the people of Mt Kenya region not to skip public rallies to be addressed by President William Ruto during his tour of the region coming up in three days' time.
The President is set to visit the vote-rich region from April 1 on a development tour, seen by political observers as aimed at endearing himself to the residents after his falling out with Gachagua.
Speaking on Saturday in Naivasha, Gachagua said that in the event the leaders who have been tasked with mobilising residents to attend the President's functions offer them money as an incentive, they should take it.
The former DP claimed the President will be visiting the region with goodies, which he encouraged them to accept wholeheartedly.
“If you are going to listen to him, ask for a hefty price. Do not accept less money," Gachagua said.
"President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money because we elected you for free,” he added.
Gachagua was speaking during the consecration and installation ceremony for Reverend Harrison Munyua at Redeemed Church in Naivasha Town, Nakuru county.
He made a stopover in the town and acknowledged greetings from the residents. "Asanteni sana watu wa Naivasha!," he said.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua acknowledges greetings from residents of Naivasha town, march 29, 2025. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/XThe former DP used the opportunity to comment on Chief of Defense Forces General Charles Kahariri's remarks regarding the use of slogans during political events.
While speaking on Thursday at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) during a public lecture on “Kenya’s evolving security landscape”, Gen Kahariri warned that the military will not allow acts that subviet democracy such as using slogans that call for undemoratic removal of leaders from office.
The military boss urged Kenyans to focus on the ballot to resolve their political contests, saying, ""We can't have anarchy as a country".
"Even as people exercise their freedom, they must do so within certain limits. So, wakati watu wanaamua kwamba tumechoka na hii serikali, na mlichagua wenyewe, halafu mnasema must go, must go. That must go, must be done according to the constitution," Kahariri said.
Gachagua said such slogans are a clarion call in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In the same breath, the former DP asked the police not to interfere with political activities where Kenyans are excercising their democratic right of dissenting against unpopular policies.
Gachagua said the era where police were used to manage politics are long gone.
Ruto is expected to commence his development tour of the Mt Kenya region in the first week of April, coming after high-level consultations with regional leaders.
The President’s itinerary indicates that he will start from Laikipia county on April 1, then head to Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Muranga, Tharaka Nithi and Embu before wrapping up the tour in Nyeri and Kiambu counties on April 5.
Already, leaders allied to the President led by his deputy Kithure Kindiki and Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah have been traversing the Mt Kenya region to set the ground ahead of his visit.
