Gachagua hits back at Ruto over remarks on Mount Kenya political entry
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 6, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political attacks against President William Ruto, accusing him of relying on money to attract crowds in the Mount Kenya region, insisting that the Head of State has lost genuine support in the vote-rich bloc.
Speaking while hosting Othaya grassroots leaders in his home at Wamunyoro on Monday, July 6, 2026, Gachagua said that he was instrumental in introducing Ruto to the Mount Kenya electorate during the 2022 General Election campaign, arguing that the president was warmly received because of the trust he had built with the region’s residents.
According to Gachagua, that political goodwill has since evaporated following his fallout with Ruto and subsequent exit from government.
“The day I brought you to the mountain, people welcomed you without being paid. Since I left, you have had to pay people just to listen to you,” Gachagua said.
He further alleged that during one of the president’s recent engagements in the region, the audience remained silent after Ruto’s speech until they were allegedly prompted to applaud.
“Even yesterday, you spoke, and people remained silent until you hinted at facilitating them, and they clapped. That shows your relationship with the people of Mount Kenya has become purely transactional,” he added.
Gachagua maintained that no amount of money would restore the President’s political standing in the region, claiming residents had already made up their minds.
“Your relationship with the people of Mount Kenya is now a business transaction. No one here will support you, even if you continue giving out money,” he added.
The remarks appear to be a direct response to President Ruto’s recent assertions that he remains firmly in control of Mount Kenya politics despite Gachagua’s sustained criticism and efforts to rally the region behind the opposition.
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? Nikakuja hapa kanisani nikawaambia mniombee? Si mkanipatia kura zenu, ama?” Ruto said.
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.