Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit President William Ruto with banter, telling him that while on his tour in Italy, he should purpose to visit the Catholic Pope in Rome for divine intervention to help him address several issues.

While speaking during a roadside rally in Katui, Kitui, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader, while going heavy on the head of state, also urged Ruto to seek divine intervention from the Pope to help him stop saying that Gen Z protesters should be shot in the foot, as he had stated last year during the protests, something that led to uproar across the country.

“Wewe Kasongo, usitoke Italy kama hujapitia kwa Pope; punguze uongo,” Gachagua said.

He went ahead with his usual gimmicks, throwing jabs at his former boss, telling Kitui locals that even if Ruto is prayed for by the Pope, he cannot change.

He also rebutted Ruto’s recent remarks, where he told Kenyans living in Italy that they should not rely on social media, saying that things on the ground in Kenya are different from what is being portrayed online.

“Nataka niawaambie nyinyi watu wa Italy mambo ya mtandao bado mambo iko haopa kwa ground,” Gachagua added.

This came during the first day of the United Opposition tour of the Ukambani region, where they are set to pitch camp in Kalonzo Musyoka’s backyard for two days before moving to the Coast for a three-day tour running from April 23, 2026.

United Opposition itinerary

Their visits cut across multiple constituencies, including Kitui West, Mwingi West, Mwingi Central, Kitui Central, Kitui East, Kitui Rural, and Kitui South, an expansive outreach designed to solidify regional unity.

After that, they are expected to set their sights on the Western region.

The rally was initially scheduled to take place earlier but was postponed as the United Opposition principals attended the burial of the late Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba last month. It was also cut short due to the need to address the Gikomba demolitions.

The team is further set to visit Northern Kenya after Gachagua’s return from the United Kingdom, where he is expected to travel in May and part of June.