Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Claiming Credit for Uhuru’s Mt. Kenya Projects
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strong rebuke to President William Ruto, accusing him of falsely taking credit for development projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking to residents of Wangige, Kiambu County, ahead of Ruto’s visit to the Mount Kenya region, Gachagua emphasized the importance of honesty in political leadership and challenged Ruto to tell the truth when addressing the region’s development.
A Call for Truthfulness in Leadership
Gachagua, known for his fiery rhetoric, made it clear that he was not pleased with Ruto’s attempts to claim credit for projects that were launched during Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency. He urged Ruto to be upfront with the residents, saying, “We want to tell William Ruto, when you come to Mount Kenya, be honest. All the projects here in the mountain were started by Uhuru Kenyatta.” His message was loud and clear—transparency and truth should guide political discourse.
Highlighting Stalled Projects and Unfinished Business
Gachagua didn’t stop at simply calling for honesty—he also pointed out the lack of new projects under Ruto’s administration. He reminded the crowd that many of the ongoing projects in Mount Kenya were initiatives from the Uhuru Kenyatta administration, and many of them have either stalled or not progressed as expected. “Which project can you claim to have completed? The existing projects are Uhuru Kenyatta’s, which you have refused to finish,” Gachagua added. His comments suggest a growing frustration with what he perceives as a failure to deliver on the promises made by the current government.
A Political Strategy for the Future
In addition to his criticism of Ruto’s leadership, Gachagua also used the occasion to promote his political ambitions. He encouraged the residents of Wangige to join his political party, which he plans to launch in May. The move signals Gachagua’s intentions to mobilize support ahead of future elections, positioning himself as a leader ready to take on the mantle of leadership in the region.
A Humorous Yet Serious Warning About Bribes
Adding a touch of humor to the proceedings, Gachagua once again warned Mount Kenya residents about accepting bribes during Ruto’s tour. In a tongue-in-cheek manner, he listed what he deemed the “minimum amount” for participation in various activities during the visit. “Do not accept Ksh 200 bribe to attend the tour. Listening to the president should be Ksh 3,000, for clapping after a speech is made should cost Ksh 2,000, laughing at a joke should amount to Ksh 5,000, and women ululating should cost Ksh 10,000,” Gachagua joked, drawing laughter from the crowd in Naivasha on March 29. Despite the humor, his underlying message was clear: the political climate in the region is charged, and leaders need to be transparent in their dealings with the people.
A Developing Political Tension
Gachagua’s remarks come at a time of growing political tension between him and President Ruto, with many watching closely to see how this public feud will unfold in the coming months. Gachagua’s call for truth and accountability reflects the broader political struggle in Mount Kenya, as leaders and residents alike wrestle with the region’s future direction under Ruto’s leadership.
