Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly criticized President William Ruto during a recent church service in Kiambu, where he claimed that the administration has significantly failed to fulfill its promises to the Kenyan people.
Gachagua was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcus Rigathi, former UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala, and Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa among others.
Gachagua, whose contentious relationship with Ruto has led to his ousting by Parliament, cited escalating taxation and a crumbling healthcare system as key indicators of the government’s perceived mismanagement.
“I ask Kenyans to remain peaceful and pray for our President William Ruto to give him wisdom to navigate the challenges affecting the Kenyan people. Our people are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, over taxation and failing health systems,” Gachagua said.
“The President has a big job to do,” stated Gachagua, calling on the public to pray for Ruto. “We want to ask prayers for him for God to give him wisdom so that Kenyans can get some relief as they go about their businesses.”
Political tensions have escalated further as the majority of senators voted on October 17 to confirm five of the eleven charges brought against Gachagua by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
Currently, Gachagua is battling in court for the survival of his political career, with a three-judge bench expected to hear consolidated petitions challenging his ouster on October 29.
Gachagua obtained conservatory orders barring the swearing-in of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as his potential replacement. He argued in court that he was denied a fair hearing during the impeachment process after falling ill and being hospitalized on the day of the vote.
The bench, comprised of Judges Freda Mugambi, Eric Ogolla, and Anthony Murima, refused to recuse themselves from the case, affirming their appointment to hear the impeachment matter.
They acknowledged Gachagua’s right to appeal their decision, dismissing his claim that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu lacked the authority to form the bench that would deliberate on his case.
