Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto that, despite his removal from office, he still enjoys strong support from the Mt Kenya region, warning that political loyalty in the area cannot be easily erased.

He made the remarks during the requiem mass of the late Olkalau Member of Parliament David Njugua in Nyandarua County on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, where leaders used the platform to address growing political tensions.

Gachagua stated that although he was removed from his position, his connection with the people remains firm, insisting that it will be extremely difficult for anyone to detach him from the support he continues to receive on the ground.

“Rais vile umeona leo na utakuja kuona tukienda mbele, ni kweli ulinitoak kwa ofisi lakini kunitoa kwa roho za hawa watu itakuwa kibarua kigumu sana. Itakuwa kama kukata mti wa Mugumo na wembe,” Gachagua stated.

He reminded the President that the Mt Kenya community supported and respected him during the election, urging him to focus on delivering development while differences are handled through democratic processes at the ballot.

“Tulikupenda tukakuheshimu na tulikuchagua, na hata kama tuko na shida na wewe tutatatua wakati wa uchaguzi, wakati huu uko kwa kiti, endelea kutufanyia kazi ile utaweza, Jaribu kufaya ile kazi utaweza kufanya mambo mengine tutatatua huko mbele kwa hivyo hii ni mkutano wa amani,” Gachagua stated.

The Former DP went on to caution against bringing political chants into the burial setting, saying such matters should be addressed elsewhere, while maintaining that the gathering should remain peaceful and respectful.

“Hapa nisiskie hata maneno ya Wantam. hio ni mambo yetu ya huko nje,” Gachagua stated.

Betrayal to the community

Gachagua went on to accuse some leaders of betraying the community, warning the President that those surrounding him could mislead him and damage his relationship with Mt Kenya voters.

“Rais wacha nikwambie ukweli, wale watu wangepata shida hapa ni kina Kimani Ichingwa kwa kuwa ni wasaliti wa jamii yetu. hao ni watu ambao wanatukana jamii,” Gachagua stated.

The former DP further claimed that he had previously warned the President about advisers like Kikuyu town MP Kimani Ichung’wa, saying the Mt Kenya community does not take betrayal lightly and will not forget those who go against its interests.

“Rais nilikwambia kabla hatujakosana kwamba hawa vijana unatembea na hao watakuweka kwa simo, Kina Ichungwa. Nilikushauri nikakwambia watu wa mlima hawapendi usaliti. I told you the people form Mt Kenya do not forgive betrayal, and you decided to listen to Kimani Ichungwa. Najua Kimani Ichungwa alikuambia nitasahulika baada ya wikimbili, sasa ni miaka ngapi?” he paused.

Ruto and Gachagua meet face to face at requiem mass of late Ol Kalou MP

President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came face to face at the Requiem Mass of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua County.

The burial ceremony brought together leaders from across the political divide, turning the event into a moment not only of mourning but also of strong political messaging.

Gachagua was accompanied by his brigades led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu.