During a rally in Mauche, Nakuru County, on July 31, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku launched a sharp critique against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Ruku accused Gachagua of fostering division within the Mt Kenya region and betraying its longstanding alliance with President William Ruto's government.
Ruku challenged Gachagua's claim to be the Mt Kenya community's representative, questioning who formally appointed him as the leader of the Kikuyu and broader Mt Kenya people.
Ruku stated: "I want to know where and when Rigathi Gachagua was made the leader of the Kikuyu and Mt Kenya community." He described Gachagua as a troublemaker and contrasted him with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who he praised for humility, diligence, and respect.
Defending Deputy President Kindiki
Ruku emphasized that both Gachagua and Kindiki hail from Mt Kenya but possess very different characters and leadership styles. He urged the community to treat both leaders equally, rejecting any notion that Kindiki is less deserving of respect or recognition.
He highlighted Kindiki's performance since assuming office and appealed to the Kikuyu community to avoid creating divisions among their leaders. Ruku reminded the audience that Mt Kenya has historically supported successive administrations, including those of Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, and that this tradition should continue under President Ruto.
Ruku added: "There should be no distinction between 'children of the womb' and 'children of the back'; all are children of Mt Kenya."
