Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his gratitude to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his supporters for standing by him during his impeachment process.

Speaking during an interview with Kamba radio stations on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Gachagua praised Kalonzo for his firm stance on national matters, acknowledging that many Kenyans have come to respect his leadership.

He noted that while Kalonzo was previously seen as indecisive, his consistency over the last two years has impressed many. Gachagua highlighted Kalonzo’s role in opposing the controversial Finance Bill, which demonstrated his unwavering stand on national issues.

Gachagua further thanked the Wiper Party leader and the people of Ukambani for their support during his impeachment, stating that they shielded him from embarrassment caused by President William Ruto and members of his community.

He suggested that President William Ruto was keen on dividing the Mount Kenya region to weaken its influence, especially when it started forming alliances with Ukambani. According to Gachagua, this unity poses a political threat, prompting the president to create divisions.

“We respect your leader Kalonzo and his party Wiper. Apo mbeleni bwana Kalonzo alikuwa anaonekana kama hana msimamo. Watu wengi walikuwa na wasiwasi naye. Lakini in the last two years, msimamo wake umevutia wakenya wengi. Amesimama kidete.Kama mambo ya Finance Bill, aliambia wabunge wake wakatae hayo mambo, na alituvutia sana,” Gachagua remarked.

Adding;

“We the Mount Kenya people appreciate Kalonzo Musyoka and the Wiper Party for supporting me during the impeachment.He and the people of Ukambani stood by me, walinificha aibu ambayo rahisi alinitia na watu wa jamii yangu. He aligned himself with Kenyans on issues like the Finance Bill, which has contributed to his increased popularity. Rahisi aliposikia tunaungana tuwe GEMA, kwa sababu yeye anapenda kugawanya watu na anajua Mount Kenya ikiungana na Ukambani itakuwa na nguvu sana na ushawishi mkubwa, alitaka kutugawanyisha.”

Political alliance

This comes hot on the heels of Kalonzo Musyoka disclosing plans to form a political alliance with the former DP, ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua. He reiterated the coalition’s mission to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

Speaking in Kirinyaga on February 22, 2025, Kalonzo emphasized concerns over healthcare and education, criticizing the government for failing to resolve key economic issues affecting ordinary citizens.

“Kenya is in a bad place. SHIF is not working, and parents can no longer afford university fees, making higher education inaccessible to children from poor families. That is why I will stand with my colleagues—Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, and Uhuru Kenyatta—to unite our people and ensure Kenya moves forward,” he stated.

Drawing parallels to Kenya’s fight for independence, he framed the upcoming election as a struggle for national redemption rather than just a leadership contest.

“This time, it’s about liberation. It won’t be just another election; it will be a rescue mission, just as our founding fathers like Dedan Kimathi fought against colonial rule until the British left. Ruto cannot intimidate Kenyans,” Kalonzo declared.

Bromance

The alliance between Gachagua and Kalonzo became evident in October 2024, when the Wiper leader strongly opposed the National Assembly’s decision to impeach Gachagua. At the time, Kalonzo argued that Parliament had lost credibility following public disapproval in June 25, 2025, during the anti-government protests and, therefore, lacked the moral authority to handle such weighty matters.

“Some of us hold the view that this Parliament was impeached by the Kenyan people on June 25, so they lack the moral authority to adjudicate on such matters of national importance,” Kalonzo said at the time.

During the Senate’s deliberation on the impeachment, Kalonzo advised Gachagua against resigning, warning that stepping down could lead to more legal complications and tarnish his reputation. He assured Gachagua that if he had nothing to hide, remaining in office was the best course of action.

“If he has nothing to fear, it’s the right choice,” Kalonzo advised.

The situation took a legal turn when the High Court, on October 18, suspended the appointment of a new deputy president pending further deliberation. Following this ruling, Kalonzo advocated for the reinstatement of Gachagua’s security detail, emphasizing that he was still the Deputy President until the court ruled otherwise.