Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, joined residents of Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County to mourn the late MP David Kiaraho.

Gachagua said he visited Kiaraho’s home in Ol Kalou to condole with the family and stand with the community following the legislator’s death.

“This evening, I joined the people of Ol Kalou in condoling the family of the late Hon. David Kiaraho at his home in Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County,” he said in a statement.

He sent his sympathies to the family and residents, describing the late MP as a calm and approachable leader.

“To the family of Hon. Kiaraho and the people of Ol Kalou, once again I send my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your dear MP,” he said.

Gachagua said he worked closely with Kiaraho during their time in the 11th Parliament. He noted that they served together in the same departmental committee.

“Till his demise, Kiaraho was a peaceful and amiable man. I had the privilege to serve with Hon. Kiaraho in the 11th Parliament and we served in the same departmental committee,” he added.

He urged the family to remain strong during the mourning period and offered prayers for comfort.

“I pray for peace and strength on his family at this difficult moment,” he said. “May the Almighty God rest the soul of Hon. Kiaraho in eternal peace.”

Kiaraho died on Sunday, March 29, 2026, leaving behind a political gap in Ol Kalou constituency. His death has drawn attention from leaders across the political divide, with many expected to attend his funeral and related events.

Gachagua’s visit comes amid rising political tension in Nyandarua ahead of the burial. Despite the charged atmosphere, he has called for calm and respect during the mourning period.

Gachagua calls for calm

Earlier on Tuesday, he urged residents to receive President William Ruto respectfully if he attends the funeral. He said the occasion should not turn into a political contest.

“We ask the people of Ol Kalou and Nyandarua to remain peaceful. If President William Ruto comes, he should be welcomed well and with respect,” Gachagua said during a separate event in Nairobi.

He stressed that the burial should remain a solemn moment for the family and the community.

Gachagua also said political differences should not lead to public confrontation during such events. He insisted that leaders should show restraint and allow the family to mourn without disruption.

“Yeye ni rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya… hatutaki kumpigia kelele. Tutakuwa na nafasi ya kuumiza yeye kwa debe,” he said, urging residents to express political views through elections rather than heckling leaders.

At the same time, he confirmed he will attend the prayer service for the late MP, despite concerns raised by some leaders about the presence of rival politicians.

On Sunday, he dismissed suggestions that he or his supporters should stay away, saying the event belongs to the people of Nyandarua.

“Wewe Rais kama unakuja Nyandarua Ol Kalou, karibu nyumbani… yeye ni mgeni, akuje kama mgeni, tutamkaribisha vizuri,” he said.

The prayer service in Ol Kalou is expected to draw several senior political figures. It comes as parties begin early preparations for a by-election following Kiaraho’s death.

For now, attention remains on the family and residents as they prepare to lay their MP to rest, with leaders calling for unity and respect during the mourning period.