President William Ruto has defended his foot soldiers in Mt Kenya after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua spelt doom for them.

While speaking during the burial of the late David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the president told them that they are the leaders of tomorrow and should not be intimidated by anyone who threatens them.

Without mentioning anybody’s name, he stated that no leader has the capacity to determine the future of any person, except the electorate and the Most High. He further told them that they should not bow down to any leader or be blackmailed by any personality but should instead serve the people who elected them without fear of intimidation.

“I want to encourage the young leaders of our country. Do not be intimidated; do not be threatened by anybody. There is nobody who can decide the fate of anybody but only the electorate and God. Do not worship any human being,” Ruto said.

“Na wale mnaongea maneno mingi no sawa tu nitakutana na nyinyi hapa mbele. mimi naelewa mambo mingi hii Kenya.”

He also stated that he will continue mentoring young leaders. Regarding himself, he said he will not ask permission from any leader to tour the mountain but emphasised that he has built a strong relationship with the region over the years; this bond is longstanding and not a recent development. He added that he will deliver for the people of Mt Kenya directly, without going through anyone else.

This comes after Rigathi Gachagua delivered a fiery speech, spelling doom for Mt Kenya leaders allied to the president who took part in his impeachment, terming them betrayers of the community who would face the full wrath of the people. He specifically took issue with Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, accusing him of misleading the president and spelling doom for him.

During the requiem mass, whenever some of the MPs’ names were mentioned, the majority were met with “Wantam” chants. Gachagua, when he stood to speak, warned the mourners not to do so again, saying that the president should be allowed to carry out his political activities in the mountain freely.