Gachagua urges calm reception for Ruto in Nyandarua ahead of Olkalou MP’s funeral
By Mustafa Juma, April 7, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on residents of Nyandarua County to accord President William Ruto a respectful reception during his expected visit for the funeral of the late Olkalou MP David Kiaraho.
Speaking in Nairobi during the unveiling of a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in an upcoming Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, Gachagua struck a measured tone, urging supporters to avoid heckling the Head of State despite mounting political tensions.
Gachagua emphasised the need for decorum during the burial, describing it as a solemn moment that should not be turned into a political battleground.
Gachagua also questioned the speed at which the burial of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno was conducted, contrasting it with the extended mourning period for the Olkalou legislator.
“Sisi hatuna maneno na mtu yeyote. Kesho tuko hapo Nyandarua, tunaenda matanga ya MP wa Olkalou ambaye amezikwa na heshima kwa mda wa kutisha. Sijui ya Ng’eno walikimbiza kwanini. The kate Kiaraho amekaa karibu two weeks. You allow people to mourn and everything, alini Ng’eno alikimbizwa sijui ni kwanini. Na tunauliza watu wa Olkalou na Nyandarua wakuwe na amani. Kama rais William Ruto atakuja, akaribishwe vizuri na heshima, na nilisema juzi, asipigiwe kelele na mtu yeyote,” Gachagua said.
He cautioned against any form of public disruption, insisting that President Ruto, as Head of State, deserves respect regardless of political differences.
2027 ballot
The former Deputy President reiterated that political accountability should be exercised through the ballot rather than public confrontations.
“Yeye ni rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya, hata kama ameharibu nchi hatutaki kumpigia kelele. Tutakuwa na nafasi ya kuumiza yeye kwa debe. Hapo kwa debe ndio maneno Iko. Hatutaki kupiga kelele kwa mikutano. So Mr president if you are coming to Olkalou just come. We will be welcoming,” he said.
Gachagua slams Ruto’s record
While advocating for calm, Gachagua did not shy away from taking jabs at the government’s track record, accusing it of making promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
“Sisi tulikuchagua, tulikupenda, hatuna maneno na wewe, kuja ongea maneno Yako, danganya watu mambo ya barabara alafu uende. Danganya mambo ya stima alafu uende. Kuja leta Ile uongo yote ambayo umebakisha, tumezoea kusikiza,” the DCP leader said.
The funeral is expected to draw top political leaders, potentially turning it into a platform for both reconciliation and subtle political signalling ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua had pledged to attend the prayer service for the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, insisting no one, including President Ruto, can stop him or his supporters from attending.
Speaking on Sunday, April 5, during a service in Gatundu, Gachagua directly addressed concerns raised by Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, who suggested opposition leaders should stay away because of Ruto’s presence.
“Sasa tunaenda pale Nyandarua; kuna MP wetu amekufa, anaitwa Mweshimiwa Kiaraho. Kuko na maombi makubwa huko Olkalou. Sasa nimesikia watu wa Ruto; mama fulani anasema ati vile Rais anakuja huku, ati Riggy G na watu wake hawatakiwi tukuje. Wewe mama, Nyandarua is ours. Huyo Ruto alitufukuza kwa ofisi. Hawezi tufukuza kwa ofisi na atufukuze nyumbani,” Gachagua said.