Gachagua credits Uhuru with helping Ruto gain Mt Kenya support
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 6, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that he made his own political inroads into the Mt Kenya region without anyone’s help, insisting that it was former President Uhuru Kenyatta who introduced him to the vote-rich region.
Speaking to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) supporters from Othaya Constituency on Monday, July 6, 2026, Gachagua said Ruto’s assertion was false, arguing that the president was welcomed and given a platform in the region through the efforts of Uhuru Kenyatta.
“It’s Uhuru who brought Ruto to Mt Kenya; even the people were worried about him, but they elected him,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua claimed that Mt Kenya residents embraced Ruto despite reservations they had about him at the time.
He questioned why the region was now turning against the president if, as Ruto claimed, he had built his support there without anyone’s backing.
“If he truly brought himself to Mt Kenya, why are the same people now rejecting him?” Gachagua posed.
The DCP leader further challenged President Ruto to hold a public rally in the Mt Kenya region without prior mobilisation, saying the turnout would reveal the President’s current standing among residents
Ruto: Nobody campaigned for me
Speaking during a church service at the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Gatunduri, Embu County, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Ruto pushed back against claims that political leaders from the Mt Kenya region delivered votes to him during the 2022 General Election, insisting that he personally campaigned in Embu and directly asked residents to support him.
Addressing the congregation, the president reminded Embu residents about his campaign visits to the county during the 2022 race.
“Mimi nilikuja hapa nikaomba kura zenu, mnakumbuka? Mliniona nikiomba kura zenu? Si nilikuja hapa Embu nikaomba kura? Nikaja hapa kanisani nikawaambia mniombee? Si mkanipatia kura zenu, ama?” Ruto said.
Ruto’s inroads in Mt Kenya
The president then criticised leaders whom he accused of claiming credit for his victory in the region.
“Mimi naskia kuna watu wengine kwa majivuno na kiburi wanasema mimi sijakuja kuwaomba kura ati wao ndio waliniombea,” he added.
Ruto also asked Embu residents whether they voted for him because of his direct engagement with them or because of influence from other politicians.
“Mimi nauliza nyinyi watu wa Embu, mlinipigia kura, kwa sababu nilikuja kuomba, ama?” he posed.