Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has criticised President William Ruto over his escalating political confrontation with his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, terming the standoff unnecessary and politically risky ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Orwoba faulted the president’s decision to engage in a public show of strength in the Mt Kenya region, arguing that the move had only deepened divisions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

“Ruto was misadvised, as there was no need for a showdown with Gachagua, whom he impeached. It was completely unnecessary to try to display a show of might in Mt Kenya. What was the purpose of him going there?” she posed.

Her remarks come in the wake of a tense political face-off during the requiem mass of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County.

The event, held at Captain Grounds, turned into a political battleground as President Ruto and Gachagua shared a podium for the first time this year, exposing widening cracks within their political alliance.

During the emotionally charged gathering, Gachagua launched onslaughts on the president, revisiting the controversial 2024 impeachment that removed him from office.

Despite his ouster, Gachagua insisted he still commands significant grassroots support in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region.

Gachagua-Ruto row

“You managed to hound me out of office, but as you can see, the people of Mount Kenya still love me. I am still in people’s hearts,” Gachagua declared to loud cheers from mourners.  

“When I was being hounded out of office, the late Kiaraho was intimidated and asked to take part in the illegal proceedings, but stayed firm. All the other MPs were paid to impeach me. He never betrayed me; that is why I am here to mourn the hero,” he said.

The Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party chief also issued a direct political warning to Ruto ahead of the next general election.

“We overwhelmingly voted for you, but ahead of the 2027 polls, you will have to convince us to give you a second term. You betrayed my people and hence lost the respect you had gotten,” he added.

The confrontation comes amid a growing political rivalry that could reshape the Mt. Kenya voting bloc, a critical constituency in national elections, as both factions move to tighten their grip on the vote-rich region.

Gachagua firebrands

Tensions were further inflamed by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, a vocal ally of Gachagua, who delivered a fiery speech in the presence of both leaders and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Methu openly challenged the President’s authority, accusing his allies of disrespecting Gachagua.

“I respect you, Mr President, but I do not fear you,” Methu stated.

In a dramatic moment, the senator dared National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to criticise Gachagua publicly.

“I dare you to insult the people’s deputy president in his presence today, and you will see fire,” he warned.

The situation nearly spiralled out of control when an attempt was made to cut Methu’s speech short, triggering uproar among mourners. Order was only restored after the microphone was returned, allowing him to continue his address.

Beyond political rhetoric, Methu also accused the government of failing to deliver on key development promises in Nyandarua, particularly stalled road projects.

“Mr President, you promised that your administration would complete various road projects here, but you have not done so. Is that playing politics?” he asked.

Observers note that the public fallout between Ruto and Gachagua signals deeper fractures within the ruling coalition, with potential implications for governance and electoral strategy.  

As political temperatures rise, the Mt. Kenya region appears poised to become a battleground once again, with both sides seeking to consolidate influence ahead of 2027.