Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has fiercely criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the Mt. Kenya region by undermining its political leadership before targeting its economic base.
Speaking at AIPCA in Igembe North, Meru County, Gachagua claimed that Ruto, along with influential figures within State House, is systematically weakening the region’s leadership to eliminate any opposition.
He warned that once political figures are silenced, the region’s businesses will be left exposed, with no strong voices to defend them.
Gachagua linked the alleged plan to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome to this broader strategy, asserting that her removal would not only be an attack on the judiciary but also a deliberate effort to diminish Mt. Kenya’s influence.
In a passionate address, Gachagua challenged Ruto to proceed with ousting Koome, threatening that the President would never be welcome in Meru if he did.
“She is being attacked because she refuses to be a ‘yes sir’ person. If you chase our Martha Koome, don’t step foot in Meru. You chased Rigathi Gachagua, and the people of Mt. Kenya stayed silent, but they are not cowards,” he declared.
“We are telling you, if you dare remove Martha Koome, stay in Nairobi and never step foot in Meru again,” he added.
The politician criticized Meru’s leaders for their silence during the ongoing political purge, accusing them of accepting bribes from the top office to remain quiet.
“Martha Koome is being attacked, and yet the Senator and all 10 MPs are silent. What has happened to the people of Meru? These are the descendants of the Mau Mau. What has happened to their leadership?” he asked.
Gachagua in Meru.
Gachagua warned that if Koome were removed from office, he would rally the people of Meru to protest against the government, describing the perceived assault on Mt. Kenya as unacceptable.
