Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto’s recent meeting with religious leaders from Kiambaa, Kabete, and Thika, calling the event part of a familiar political strategy.

Gachagua, in a statement shared on his social media account on Monday, April 14, 2025, suggested the meeting was another attempt to deceive the public.

The former deputy president likened the meeting to a repetitive political script, accusing Ruto of holding what he termed as trickery meetings with religious figures including his past outreach to grassroots groups like mama mbogas (female market traders) and boda boda riders (motorcycle taxi operators).

“Same script, same actor, different times, same but enlightened audience; Empowerment of mama mbogas and boda boda and trickery meetings with the Clergy. You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people, all the time,” Gachagua stated.

Earlier in the day, Ruto praised the role religious leaders play in shaping Kenya’s moral and social fabric. He emphasized that the country’s transformation could only succeed through collaboration among all sectors of leadership, including political and religious leaders.

The head of state said his meeting with the clergy from Kiambaa, Kabete, and Thika is an effort to reinforce the importance of religious institutions in nation-building.

He thanked the religious leaders for their contributions, particularly in education and healthcare, and stressed that their influence is vital in the ongoing progress of the nation.

“The transformation of our country calls for concerted efforts from all sections of leadership including political and religious leaders. We appreciate the invaluable role played by our religious leaders in upholding the moral fabric of our society,” Ruto said.

Their contribution to the provision of education and delivery of healthcare are testament to their commitment to the well-being and progress of our nation. At State House Nairobi, met religious leaders from Kiambaa, Kabete and Thika, Kiambu County.”

The transformation of our country calls for concerted efforts from all sections of leadership including political and religious leaders.

We appreciate the invaluable role played by our religious leaders in upholding the moral fabric of our society. Their contribution in the… pic.twitter.com/OB6CBWYGji

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 14, 2025