Former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Weru Kinyua has come out expressing his regret for urging Rigathi Gachagua to step down ahead of his impeachment in October 2024.

Speaking during the burial of Gachagua’s aunt, Gathoni Kahua, in Nyeri on Saturday, July 5, Weru told Gachagua that he regrets advising him to resign before facing the impeachment process. He noted that had Gachagua stepped down, it would have been seen as an act of cowardice.

“Mimi nilikuwa nimeambia deputy president ukiona kimeumana kwa sababu najua tuko njia moja tuite tuwaambie tumewaachia serikali,” Weru said.

The former MP went on to tender his apology to the former Deputy President, admitting that he did not fully understand the situation at the time. He acknowledged that Gachagua had seen further than most and praised his foresight.

“I am very sorry kwa sababu ungefanya hivyo ingekuwa an act of cowardice; naomba msamaha. Uliona mbele, na hata kwamba vile kuko tuko nyuma yako tutakufwata, na hapa Mathira tumekupea ruhusa; wewe enda uko kwengine salimia cousins wetu.” He added.

Weru assured Gachagua of his support and that of the larger Mathira region ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged him to reach out and build alliances with like-minded leaders in preparation to take over the presidency, adding that Mathira is fully behind him.

Who is Peter Weru?

Peter Weru Kinyua then served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mathira Constituency in Nyeri County, elected in March 2013 on a National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ticket under the Jubilee Coalition. He was born in Mathira, Nyeri County, and has been active in parliamentary affairs, having spoken 64 times in the National Assembly since 2013.

In October 2014, he was involved in a serious road accident at the Chania River Bridge near Nyeri Town, where he sustained leg injuries. A passenger in the other vehicle died as a result of the accident. In July 2015, the widow of the deceased filed a lawsuit against him, seeking damages and alleging careless driving by both parties involved.

Additionally, in July 2019, Peter Weru Kinyua was appointed Chairperson of the Tana Water Works Development Agency, but this appointment was later revoked by a court ruling in Nyeri, which declared it illegal due to lack of due process. He is also listed as the Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO)—Veterinary Science Research Institute.