Gachagua Ready for Ruto Truce, Sets Clear Conditions

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed a willingness to reconcile with President William Ruto, urging his supporters to remain orderly and avoid disruptive slogans during a memorial service in Nyandarua County.

Speaking at the funeral of former Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, Gachagua called on his supporters to refrain from chanting the “one term” slogan often directed at the President. He emphasised the need for decorum, particularly during public events attended by national leaders.

Despite the conciliatory tone, Gachagua said that any cooperation with Ruto would depend on certain conditions. He criticised the President’s association with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, suggesting that some of Ruto’s allies were contributing to divisions within the political leadership. 

He told mourners that collaboration was possible but raised concerns about the President’s close associates. The memorial service was marked by moments of tension. A police officer was heard instructing that only Gachagua be allowed into the VIP section, leading to confusion when Nyandarua Senator John Methu was initially denied entry. 

The situation was later resolved, and the two were seen entering together. President Ruto arrived shortly afterwards, accompanied by senior officials including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.

Kiaraho, who died on 29 March at the age of 62, had been aligned with Ruto and supported Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. His political stance reflected broader divisions within the Mt Kenya region, where rival factions continue to compete for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He was first elected as Ol Kalou MP in 2013 under the National Alliance (TNA) party during the Jubilee coalition period. He retained his seat in 2017 following the merger of Jubilee-affiliated parties into a single political outfit. Before entering politics, Kiaraho trained as an architect and graduated from the University of Nairobi.