In a move to address speculation surrounding his recent absence from official functions, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua broke his silence during a public address in Nyeri County. Gachagua sidestepped rumors of discord with his superior, William Ruto, opting instead to shed light on his weeklong hiatus, emphasizing his commitment to overseeing initiated projects in his home county.
During his address at a church service yesterday in Kieni, the Deputy President highlighted his discreet visits across Nyeri to assess the progress of the drug abuse eradication initiative. Expressing satisfaction with an 85% success rate across various areas, Gachagua acknowledged the efforts of local authorities, stating, “Commissioner, I have been around for the last one week and I have walked around without being noticed. The only place you will keep an eye on is Mukurweini. The rest of the county is good, we are 85 per cent successful.”
While refraining from engaging in political discourse, Gachagua criticized fellow lawmakers for indulging in politics within sacred spaces, urging them to prioritize their responsibilities. He stressed, “Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a man of few words… I talk less and do more.”
Amid media speculation regarding tensions between Gachagua and Ruto, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed dismissed any rift, redirecting inquiries to the Deputy President’s communication team. Mohammed affirmed, “If you want to ask any question or find out anything about the Deputy President, they have all the capabilities and you can find whatever information you need there.”
The Deputy President’s explanation comes following his absence from 11 State functions, including a joint address with President Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during the latter’s State Visit to Kenya.
