- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua ready to confront President William Ruto at late MP Kiaraho’s funeral
- Gachagua warned Ruto’s allies against barring his attendance at the memorial service
- The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader claimed Nyandarua is his home ground, asserting his right to attend the funeral
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kiambu – Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has declared that he is ready to face off with President William Ruto.
Source: Facebook
A political showdown is looming during the funeral of the late area MP, David Kiaraho, where a requiem mass will be held at Ol Kalou TTI, an event both the president and Gachagua are expected to attend.
Speaking on Sunday, April 5, Gachagua announced that he will attend Kiaraho’s memorial service to be held on Wednesday, April 8, at Ol Kalou Stadium.
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The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader warned Ruto allies against chasing him and his DCP entourage, arguing that Nyandarua is his home ground.
Gachagua warned the Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Wairimu Gitau against attempts to bar opposition leaders from attending the event, insisting that he cannot be blocked from attending a function taking place in his home area.
The former DP maintained that President Ruto is welcome in the region but should attend strictly in the capacity of a visitor.
Gachagua further vowed to keep vigil in the area until the burial day, emphasising that no one will dare prevent him from attending the funeral.
According to Gachagua, Ruto chased him out of office but cannot repeat the same in his political backyard.
“Nyandarua is our home. This Ruto person kicked us out of office, he cannot kick us out of office and then kick us out of our homes…We cannot miss [being at] a home celebration.
“If you come to the funeral of Ol Kalou MP Kiharaho, come with respect, that is Nyandarua, the headquarters of Mau Mau, the home of people like Dedan Kimathi. Don’t try it, you are a visitor.
How David Kiaraho’s death will renew Ruto-Gachagua rivalry
As reported earlier, political analysts argued that Kiaraho’s death could trigger one of the most consequential contests in Mt Kenya in recent years, setting the stage for a by-election that may finally settle the question of who politically controls the region between Ruto or his former deputy.
President Ruto mourned the late Ol Kalou legislator as a loyal ally and a development-focused leader.
Before his death, Kiaraho had firmly aligned himself with the president’s camp, backing key political positions including the impeachment of Gachagua in October 2024 and actively campaigning for Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The impeachment not only removed Gachagua from office but also split Mt Kenya’s political leadership down the middle.
Since then, both sides have been engaged in an intense struggle to consolidate grassroots support. It is within this context that Kiaraho’s death takes on added political significance.
The vacancy could now become the frontline in the supremacy battle between the president and his former deputy.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
