In a fiery speech on Sunday 6 April 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned President William Ruto that any attempts to eliminate him would only make the political situation in the country more complicated.
Speaking at the Mwiki PCEA Church in Kasarani, Gachagua made it clear that even if he were to be removed from the political scene, it would not diminish the strength of the anti-government movement.
“I want to tell you, Rais tafadhali vile mambo inaendelea hii Kenya even if you eliminate Rigathi Gachagua, nothing will change; it will just complicate your politics more than it is already complicated,” Gachagua said, addressing the president directly.
“We have enough soldiers to carry on the struggle. You may bring me down if that is what you think will help you, but we have enough soldiers here to carry on with the struggle.”
Gachagua’s remarks came after he alleged that the Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, had orchestrated an attack on him and his supporters during the church service.
According to Gachagua, goons were sent to disrupt the event. His accusations marked an escalation in the already tense relationship between Gachagua and the local leadership, particularly Sakaja, whom Gachagua described as an “ungrateful leader.”
“Sisi tunakualika ufanye vile unataka. Governor, hawa watu wa Kasarani walikuchagua, and you cannot pay them back kwa kutuma goons ndani ya kanisa. Surely, it does not matter how ungrateful you are,” Gachagua said, speaking to the congregation.
“Walikupatia mamlaka, how can you send goons in their church when they are raising funds for the completion of their church? It is very insensitive and very unkind and something that we do not understand. Msijali,” he added, stressing his disapproval of Sakaja’s actions.
The former Deputy President’s fiery statements suggested a deepening rift within Kenya’s political landscape. Gachagua’s comments have raised concerns about growing divisions within the ruling party and questioned the extent of loyalty between political allies. Gachagua’s language suggested that tensions within the government could escalate further if the issues surrounding Sakaja’s alleged actions were not addressed. His warning to the President, that any attempt to silence him would only intensify the political chaos, revealed his defiance in the face of adversity.
The public outburst from Gachagua signals not only personal discontent but also a broader dissatisfaction with how power is being wielded at the local level. The former Mathira Member of Parliament questioned Sakaja’s gratitude to the people who helped him rise to power. Gachagua, speaking on behalf of the people of Kasarani, condemned the governor’s alleged unprovoked attack on the congregation during their fundraising efforts for the church.
Despite his harsh criticism of Sakaja, Gachagua vowed to continue his political fight, promising to disclose further details in an exclusive interview with an unnamed media house scheduled for Monday, 7 April 2025. His tone and choice of words pointed to a potential showdown in the coming days, one that could further polarize Kenya’s political scene.
Gachagua’s warning to President Ruto underscores the volatility of the current political environment. While he remains defiant, claiming that the anti-government movement is resilient and capable of carrying the fight forward without him, it also highlights the significant challenges Ruto may face in maintaining unity within his political ranks. Gachagua’s appeal to the President was clear: attempts to undermine his political influence would not go unnoticed and would likely backfire.
As the drama unfolds, the nation will be watching closely to see how President Ruto and his allies respond to Gachagua’s pointed accusations and warnings. The political stage is set for a tense few days ahead, with the potential for new revelations that could further shake the foundations of Kenya’s political landscape.
