Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly asked Kenyans to forgive him for supporting President William Ruto in the 2022 general election. Speaking to residents of Kiserian in Kajiado County on Thursday afternoon, Gachagua accused Ruto of lying to Kenyans and making false promises.
He claimed that just like the rest of the country, he was also deceived into believing that Ruto would deliver on his pledges.
Gachagua did not hold back in his criticism, stating that the country is now filled with lies. He accused Ruto of promising financial relief to struggling Kenyans, only to later impose policies that worsened their economic situation.
In his speech, Gachagua expressed deep regret for his role in helping Ruto rise to power, saying that he was misled by Ruto’s religious image. He compared the President to a wolf in sheep’s clothing, warning Kenyans to be cautious of deceitful leaders.
During the rally, Gachagua also made a major political announcement. He declared that he would be launching his own political party in May, a move that signals his full departure from Ruto’s camp.
He emphasized that the party would be led by individuals chosen by the people and not handpicked leaders who serve selfish interests. According to Gachagua, the new political outfit will field candidates for all electoral positions, from the presidency to the Member of County Assembly (MCA) level.
He insisted that the party would prioritize the needs of ordinary Kenyans and give them a platform to fight for their rights.
Since his impeachment in October last year, Gachagua has been an outspoken critic of the Ruto administration. He has repeatedly accused the government of failing to address pressing issues affecting Kenyans, including the high cost of living, corruption, and broken campaign promises.
His attacks on the President have intensified in recent months, making him one of the most vocal opposition figures in the country.However, his growing criticism has not come without challenges.
His public rallies and political events have increasingly faced resistance, with some of his recent meetings turning chaotic. One of the latest incidents occurred at the ACK Cathedral in Nyeri Town, where a group of youths blocked him from leaving the church premises.
The standoff, which happened on Sunday, March 23, saw police officers intervene to control the situation as a group of individuals gathered outside the church, allegedly waiting to confront him.
Gachagua’s political realignment is expected to shake up the country’s political landscape, especially within the Mount Kenya region. His decision to form a new party signals a potential power shift as he seeks to rally Kenyans against Ruto’s leadership.
Whether his new political movement will gain traction remains to be seen, but his continued attacks on Ruto suggest that the political battle is far from over.
