Gachagua Takes Aim at Ruto’s Clergy Meetings, Calls Them Deceptive

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto over his frequent meetings with members of the clergy at State House, accusing the Head of State of using religion to mask political deceit.

Speaking during a public event in Nyeri on Sunday, Gachagua dismissed the gatherings as a recycled political script meant to hoodwink Kenyans.

Read: President Ruto Calls for United Leadership to Transform Kenya

“Same script, same actor, different times—only now, the audience is enlightened. Empowerment of mama mbogas, boda boda riders, and trickery meetings with the clergy,” said Gachagua

“You can fool some people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time,” he added, quoting reggae legend Bob Marley.

His remarks come just weeks after he was impeached by Kenya Kwanza MPs allied to President Ruto—a move seen by many as a brutal political fallout between the once-close allies. The impeachment, which was passed in both Houses of Parliament, effectively ended Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President and widened the rift between him and the Head of State.

Gachagua has since accused the president of betrayal and orchestrating a purge of Mount Kenya leaders from key government positions. He maintains that the promises made to the region during the 2022 campaigns have not been honoured.

Read: Gachagua Criticizes President Ruto, Calls Him a One-Term President

The State House prayer meetings have become a hallmark of Ruto’s presidency, often attended by influential clerics and aligned politicians. While State House maintains the sessions are meant to seek divine guidance and promote national unity, critics argue they are a political tool designed to sanitise government failures.

Religious leaders have offered mixed reactions to Gachagua’s claims. Bishop David Kariuki of the Gospel Outreach Church defended the State House engagements, saying: “There is nothing wrong with leaders praying together. But let it be sincere and not just optics.”

On the other hand, political analyst Lydia Mugo said Gachagua’s comments signal a clear shift. “He is positioning himself for 2027 by playing the victim card and rallying the Mt. Kenya base. Questioning Ruto’s alliances, including with the church, is part of that strategy,” she told The Daily Whistle.

Despite being ousted from the country’s second-highest office, Gachagua has vowed to remain active in politics and has hinted at forming a new political movement focused on Mount Kenya interests.

Efforts to get a response from State House or the President’s communication team went unanswered by press time.