Gachagua pleads with Ruto to respect Mt Kenya voters, warns against divisive remarks
By Kiprono Keileb, April 8, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to rebuild his relationship with Mt Kenya residents, warning that recent remarks on tribalism are hurting a community that strongly backed him during the 2022 elections.
He made the remarks during the burial service of the late Olkalau Member of Parliament (MP) David Njugua in Nyandarua County on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, where leaders and residents gathered to mourn and reflect on national unity.
Gachagua appealed to the President to seek reconciliation with the Mt Kenya community, cautioning him against listening to advisers he claimed are misleading him and creating unnecessary divisions.
“President nakuomba sana, tafuta urafiki na hii jamii ya Mlima Kenya, usiskize wale wanakudanganya wanakuweka kwa Shimo. Rais sisi tukikuchagua wewe haukuwa unaitwa Kamau, haukuwa unaitwa Njoroge, ulikuwa unaitwa William Ruto na tukakupatia Kura zetu,” former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated.
Gachagua expressed concern that public remarks he made are perceived as labelling the community negatively, saying they are deeply hurtful, urging the President to avoid such statements, especially when addressing other regions.
“Wewe rais kusimama juuya gari na kutuita wakabila unatuumiza roho sana, nakuomba from today my brother William Ruto, ukienda kwa Wajaluo, hapana tukana sisi kutuita wakabila, sisi tulikujagua tukakupa kura zetu na we si Mkikuyu,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President further asked the President to respect the support he received from the region and avoid language that could create division, calling for peace and mutual respect regardless of political differences.
“Nakuomba, don’t abuse our community, let us have peace even if you don’t want us, don’t abuse us because we loved and supported you,” Gachagua stated.
The burial ceremony of the late Olkalau MP brought together several leaders, both from the government and the opposition, who not only used the moment as a time of mourning but also as a platform for addressing key national and regional concerns.