Gakuya says he regrets ditching Uhuru for Ruto
By Valerian Khakayi, March 18, 2025Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gakuya has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with President William Ruto, noting that those who sacrificed to secure his victory are now being sidelined in favour of new political entrants.
Speaking during a live TV interview, Gakuya voiced deep disappointment over the President’s recent political manoeuvres. He lamented that his unwavering support for Ruto during the 2022 general elections cost him his relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta as he prioritized protecting Ruto’s interests.
Expressing his bitterness, Gakuya argued that despite being in office for less than five years, Ruto has already turned his back on his most loyal allies.
“My big question is as much as we consider bringing Kenyans under one umbrella that is what we are calling broad-based, are we considering those who were kicked out of the government so that we accommodate the new coming ones, the bitterness of this is that you are kicking out those who sacrificed,” Gakuya said.
“One reason I am so bitter was I lost touch with Uhuru Kenyatta because I was dying to safeguard the interests of Ruto to the end and I never betrayed him. He has not finished 5 years and he has already betrayed me when he is only 2 years in office. That tells me how patient he can be.”
Dewhipped legislatures
Several legislators allied to the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lost their leadership positions in key committees.
Gakuya and his Githuunguri counterpart Gathoni Wamuchomba were axed from the National Assembly leadership of the Trade and Constitution implementation committees respectively.
Those dewhipped from senate committees include Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa who has been removed from the Roads and Transport committee, Nyandarua Senator Methu Muhia who has been axed from the Environment and Lands committee, Kajiado senator Lenku Seki who chaired the Trade and Industry committee, Kirinyaga senator James Murango who chaired the agriculture committee and Muranga senator Joe Nyutu from the education committee.
Ditching Uhuru for Ruto
The Embakasi North MP was among the legislatures who ditched Uhuru’s Jubilee party for Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).