Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again hit out at President William Ruto, accusing him of double standards and plotting to divide the Mount Kenya region through his newfound friendship with Gideon Moi.

Speaking during a church service at Ambassadors of Christ Church in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Gachagua questioned why his efforts to bring unity among Mt Kenya leaders are branded as tribalism while Ruto’s talks with Gideon Moi are celebrated as national peace efforts.

“Ruto ameita Gideon Moi, wameongea, na akasema anaunganisha watu wake huko nyumbani ndio apate amani na hataki sisi tuwe na amani hapa Mlima Kenya. Yeye akiunganisha watu wake anasema ni umoja wa kitaifa, nikiunganisha watu hapa anasema ni ukabila,” Gachagua said.

He told the congregation that he will not sit back and watch Mt Kenya leaders be turned against each other under the disguise of national unity.

“We will not agree to Ruto dividing us. Let us remain as one,” he added.

Political consolidation

The former Deputy President also hinted at a renewed push to consolidate the region’s political base ahead of 2027, saying he would personally lead efforts to identify and expose leaders he described as betrayers of the mountain.

“Kazi yangu inaanza kutoka saa hizi, nitakuwa nikizunguka hii mlima Kenya kutangaza wasaliti wa mlima hata kama wewe ni mwanamke tutakutangaza,” he said firmly, drawing cheers from the congregation.

Renewed political heat

Gachagua’s remarks come at a time when the political temperature in Mt Kenya is rising following reports of a handshake between President Ruto and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, a move seen by some as an attempt to broaden political alliances ahead of future elections.

The former Deputy President’s tone in Mwea signalled that the rift within the ruling coalition could be widening, setting the stage for heightened political contest in Mt Kenya as the country inches closer to 2027.