Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leaders have hit out at President William Ruto for sidelining and betraying the Ameru community upon his assumption of the presidency.

Speaking on Friday, June 20, 2025, during a rally in Nkubu, Meru County, led by impeached DP Rigathi Gachagua and Mithika Linturi, accused Ruto of attempting to derail the unity of the Ameru by driving a wedge between the larger Mt. Kenya.

Gachagua cited the ouster of former police boss Japheth Koome as one of Ruto’s attempts against the community.

“Kasongo has persecuted and betrayed the Ameru people. He wanted to kick out Martha Koome from the office, he chased Japheth Koome from the police, and he is also harassing other children from this region,” he stated.

The politician further faulted the president for diverting important projects from the Meru region despite them fully backing his presidential bid.

In his offensive charm to the Ameru, Gachagua laid bare the bone of contention between him and the president, emphasising that his fallout was occasioned by fighting for the unity of the region.

Dividing the Ameru

“The reason why I was chased from the government is because I refused to join him in the killing of children as a Christian and the husband of a pastor. He also wanted to divide the mountain. He wanted the Ameru people and the Gikuyu to be separated. I warned him that we could agree with that. Therefore, I want you to remain united. We are one as Mt. Kenya, and if we get divided, we will be hunted down like a deer,” he implored the masses.

Linturi on his part, accused Ruto of unfulfilled promises, stating they will not forgive the president for going against the people.

The former minister accused Ruto of derelicting the Gakoromone market sewage after he promised to rehabilitate it.

“We trusted Ruto as a person who came to us with the Bible, but he cheated us. We can forgive you for what you did to us as politicians, but we can’t forgive you for betraying the GEMA community,” Linturi said.

Speaking at the same function, Gachagua called out South Imenti MP Shadrack Mwiti, accusing him of assaulting women and working against the interests of local residents.

In his fiery speech, the former deputy president suggested that Mwiti was being funded to disrupt the peace and intimidate voters ahead of the next election.

“Umepewa pesa na Kasongo upige watu ya nyumbani. Wewe Kasongo unatubeba ufala. Unapeana pesa kwa Mwiti, akuje kupiga kina mama,” he added, pointing to growing concerns over rising political tension in the region.

Translation: “You’ve been given money by Kasongo to beat up local people. You, Kasongo, are taking us for fools. You’re giving money to Mwiti to come and beat women.”

The Meru rally marks the latest stop in Gachagua’s extensive campaign across Kenya, following engagements in Ukambani, the Coast, and Central Kenya