Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizen Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh political assault on President William Ruto, accusing him of misusing public funds to construct a road leading to a private luxury hotel in Meru allegedly linked to the Head of State.
Speaking at the start of a three-day tour of Meru County on Friday, Gachagua urged residents to boycott the hotel, claiming it symbolizes the President’s alleged betrayal of the region and misuse of state resources. He further claimed that instead of investing in roads to facilitate agricultural produce transportation, Ruto prioritized infrastructure to benefit his personal business interests.
“Instead of building roads to help farmers access factories, you are building a road to your hotel and you think the people of Meru are foolish enough to come drink tea there?” Gachagua questioned. “Kasongo must be shaved, or not shaved,” he added, using his now-common nickname for the President.
Gachagua also accused President Ruto of orchestrating his removal from office through false accusations, including controversial claims around the acquisition of land in Meru. He alleged that his impeachment was politically engineered to weaken Mt. Kenya’s unity and marginalize the region in national development.
“Mimi singekubali kuungana naye akiuwa watoto… Alitaka kugawanya Mlima ndio atukalie vile Moi alitukalia kwa miaka 24,” he said, comparing the situation to the political suppression of the Moi era.
DCP National Organising Secretary and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi backed Gachagua’s sentiments, declaring that Meru would not be intimidated. “Even if we don’t have MPs, Meru has no shortage of patriotic leaders who can work to liberate this region,” he said.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the government of saddling future generations with debt while children were already missing school due to economic hardship. “Kasongo is denying you a future and piling debts on children who aren’t even born yet,” she said.
Since his dramatic ousting, Gachagua has become one of the most vocal critics of President Ruto, frequently accusing the government of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement, further fueling political tensions within the ruling coalition and across the Mt. Kenya region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
