Inside Politics

Onyonka apologises to Gachagua for supporting his impeachment motion

Wednesday 13th May, 2026 08:01 PM| By Mabonga Makhanu

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has apologised to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for supporting the impeachment motion against him.

Speaking during the requiem mass of his mother, Teresiah Nyaboke, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the outspoken senator, who had wholeheartedly called for the ouster of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, said that he never knew him well at the time.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua penning his message in the condlence book during Onyonka’s mother’s funeral. PHOTO//Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka during his mother’s requiem mass at All saints cathedral. PHOTO//https://www.facebook.com/DPGachagua

Onyonka continued explaining that his decision to seek forgiveness from the DCP boss was influenced by his mother, who urged him to apologise to Gachagua for crucifying him.

“My mother told me to apologise to you because I impeached you. I didn’t know you were a good man. Now I know, and I am so sorry,” Onyonka said.

Gachagua praises Onyonka

On his part, Gachagua responded in a light-hearted manner. The former deputy president recalled how, before his ouster, they attended a funeral in Trans Nzoia where Onyonka used the opportunity to criticise the president on several issues, including the Adani deal, while Gachagua watched silently.

Gachagua stated that when he later stood to speak, he avoided addressing the matter directly. He further revealed that later that evening, allies of his boss called him and gave him a one-hour lecture, something that irritated him and forced him to respond by questioning why they expected him to attack Onyonka when whatever the senator was saying was true.

Waiguru apologises

Anne Waiguru addresses residents in Mwea. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/Anne Waiguru

This comes days after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru apologised on behalf of President William Ruto’s government over the political fallout linked to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Waiguru spoke on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the launch of the Ksh200 million Mwea Integrated Water Supply Rehabilitation and Expansion Project in Kandongu. The remarks came amid lingering anger across the Mt Kenya region more than a year after MPs voted to remove Gachagua from office in late 2023.

Addressing residents, Waiguru acknowledged the frustrations still being felt on the ground.

“I have heard you. I cannot pretend that I have not, because I also live here,” she said.