Gachagua makes public appearance amid reports of fallout with Ruto

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has surfaced in public after a week of conspicuous silence in the country, marking his first appearance since his notable absence from various state functions.

His whereabouts had raised questions, especially after missing 11 state functions over the past week.

Gachagua absence

His absence was stark during President William Ruto’s reception of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on a state visit, a deviation from Gachagua’s usual presence alongside the head of state for important functions.

While Gachagua’s last public appearance was noted during a roadside engagement at Kagumo market in Kirinyaga County on Monday, his absence was felt from the national tree planting exercise the previous Friday, where all cabinet secretaries and the President participated in Murang’a alongside Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Originally slated to plant trees in Bomet County, Gachagua cancelled last minute, leaving his advance team already on-site. His absence continued into a meeting at State House on Tuesday, where President Ruto met with KTDA chairpersons and directors to discuss operationalizing the Tea Tribunal for handling disputes in the tea sector, a domain Gachagua is particularly passionate about, having been entrusted with reforms in the tea, milk, and coffee sectors by his superior.

Over the past weekend, the DP ignited debate over the “one man, one vote, one shilling” principle, advocating for increased resources for populous regions. His remarks, made during the consecration of Bishop John Kimani Nthiga at the ACK Cathedral of St Peter’s Mbeere in Siakago, Embu County, stirred public discourse.

Now, almost a week later, the second in command resurfaces, coinciding with President William Ruto’s forthcoming trip to the United States.

Gachagua made his presence known by posting a bible verse “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues. – ACTS 2: 4,” confirming his attendance at the Christian Catholic Faithful for Holy Mass at Sacred Heart Endarasha Catholic Church, Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

Gachagua was joined by a notable roster including MP Wainaina Chieni (Kieni), MPs Mugambi Rindikiri, G.K. Ruku, Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), James Gakuya, Benjamin Gathiru Mejja Donk, Dr. John Mutunga, and former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru. Additionally, Members of County Assembly including Mwigoyo/Endarasha ward’s Christopher Mbichi Wambugu and Kirimukuyu ward MCA Anthony Muriithi Ndagita, as well as Nominated MCA Karanja Maina, were also part of the event.