Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi, on April 11, 2025.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has kept up the pressure on President William Ruto, claiming the Head of State once told him that some projects are only launched for political show and are not meant to be implemented.
“There were many incidents when we launched projects, including the construction of the Boiman road, but I was a few minutes later called with information that the contractor had left the site immediately after we left the place. When I informed the President about it, he sounded amused and unbothered. “He used to tell me that the launching of projects was a political activity and not all political promises must be fulfilled,” said Mr Gachagua.
He described President Ruto as a cunning politician, who will go to any length to achieve what he wants.
President William Ruto and other leaders at the launch of Kaihii Irrigation Water Project in Karugia, Murang'a County on April 3, 2025.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary of St Louis Igwamiti Catholic Church in Nyandarua County, Mr Gachagua said he takes the blame for misleading Kenyans about the suitability of President Ruto during the campaigns.
“I accept and admit that I erred, but I was misled, he fooled me. If he could fool bishops, what about a person like Rigathi Gachagua. I regret and apologise for what I did and said about former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
As he led a harambee at the church, the former DP ensured that no politician announced the amount of money they contributed.
Mr Gachagua said in Nyandarua alone, the President had visited nine times, with promises and launch of projects he claimed were false.
“When we visited Nyandarua to launch Boiman road, the area MCA called me a few minutes later informing me that the contractor left the site the moment the President’s helicopter took off. What is ailing this country are the lies from the most senior person in this country,” Mr Gachagua claimed.
He said the biggest enemies of the country are sycophant MPs, saying they should be the first to be voted out in the next elections.
“We had successfully eliminated consumption of illegal drugs, the gains we made are reversed. It’s only in the Kenyan Cabinet that you find suspected drug barons serving as ministers,” said the former DP.
He said the church is the only voice left to fight for Kenyans’ rights since all other leaders, the National Assembly and Senate have been compromised by President Ruto.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said Kenyans are tired of President Ruto’s promises.
President William Ruto flags off Kenya Power vehicles as he launched last mile electricity project at Kagio in Kirinyaga County on April 2, 2025.
“Any patriotic Kenyan must send President William Ruto home in 2027 to save this country. The progressive thing to do for the country is to reject President William Ruto.
“... the country is bleeding, and the borrowing spree for projects that cannot be accounted for must come to an end. Do Kenyans justice by stopping the borrowing sprees and over taxation,” said Mr Methu.
The senator also condemned the silencing of political critics.
“We are tired of the threats against those supporting former DP Rigathi Gachagua. We receive the threats day in day out for speaking the truth and fighting for the welfare of Kenyans. But I tell the President and his people that we speak on behalf of suffering Kenyans. Your leadership and policies are punitive, they are against Kenyans, they are a betrayal to the Kenyan people. Everything you do is a betrayal to Kenyans and what we initially believed you stand for, Mr President, you have betrayed us as Kenyans,” said Mr Methu.
Unfulfilled promises
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua protested unfulfilled promises by the government, including insecurity in Laikipia and human-wildlife conflict.
President William Ruto lays the foundation stone for the construction of 10 classrooms at Nanyuki DEB Primary and Junior Secondary School in Laikipia on 1 April 2025.
“Let the government stop telling us what it’s doing and has done, let them show what they have done. This is a failed regime,” said the senator.
Former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki complained that all water projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta have stalled. She also warned against increased taxation. “We understand that the proposed budget for this year has more taxation for Kenyans. I want to tell the President that if it’s presented the way it is, then you will realise that what Gen Z did last year was just a rehearsal,” said Ms Kariuki.
