“I Need No Permission!” Ruto Fires Back as Gachagua Claims Mt. Kenya Leadership
The political atmosphere in Kenya reached a boiling point during the funeral of late MP David Kiaraho in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. What was intended to be a solemn farewell transformed into a high-stakes arena for political supremacy as President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua engaged in a direct and “explosive” confrontation. The event has signaled a definitive rupture in the relationship between the country’s top leadership and the Mt. Kenya region’s self-proclaimed spokesperson.
The drama began when Rigathi Gachagua took to the podium, delivering a speech that many observers categorized as a direct challenge to the presidency. Gachagua, asserting his authority as the leader of the Mt. Kenya community, issued a startling set of “instructions” to the President. He told the gathered crowd that the President should be allowed to speak and then promptly leave the area. Gachagua further fueled the fire by warning of a reckoning at the ballot box, stating that while the region chose Ruto, they would settle the score in the next election. He explicitly cautioned the President against listening to certain political advisors, whom he accused of leading the President into a “hole” and betraying the local community. Gachagua’s rhetoric was deeply rooted in regional identity, emphasizing that betrayal is not forgiven among his people.
Visibly irked by the suggestion that his movements required regional approval, President Ruto fired back with a stinging rebuttal. Asserting his national mandate, Ruto reminded the congregation that he is the President of the entire Republic of Kenya and does not seek permission from anyone to visit any part of the country. Ruto took direct aim at Gachagua’s tribal-centric messaging, condemning those who preach tribalism, hatred, and division. He defended his broad-based government, stating that he understands the support he received from the Mt. Kenya region but will not allow that relationship to be used as a tool for political blackmail. He declared that he is fully aware of his actions and will not be intimidated by regional politics.
The confrontation wasn’t limited to the top two. Local leadership also joined the fray, with Nyandarua Senator John Methu telling the President directly that while he respects the office of the presidency, he does not fear the man holding it. The event was further marked by reports of chaotic security protocols and attempts to cut microphones as tensions peaked. Analysts suggest this encounter marks a point of no return for the administration’s internal unity. With Gachagua positioning himself as a defender of the “Mountain” against perceived betrayal and Ruto doubling down on his executive authority, the political landscape in Kenya is bracing for an era of unprecedented friction.
