By Andrew Kariuki

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto is unable to hold organic political meetings in the Mt Kenya region, alleging that attendees are often paid to attend.

Speaking during a press conference in Nyali, Mombasa, Gachagua accused the Head of State of commercialising political engagements in the vote-rich region.

“Pale mlimani, hao watu ni wafanyibiashara na tumekubaliana mambo yetu na William Ruto ni biashara pekee yake. Anakuja anazungumza uongo, analipa, anaenda. Unajua kuskiza uongo ni bei ghali,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the large crowds seen during the President’s tours are not genuine, citing a recent burial event.

“If you remember tulienda pale Ol Kalau kwa mazishi, Ruto alileta watu 8,000 na akawalipa Ksh.2,000 each kumskiza, nilipofika pale, wakatangaza pahali roho yao iko. So those meetings are paid for. William Ruto cannot hold a meeting that is organic in the mountain; he has to pay people,” he said.

Gachagua also urged residents to accept any money offered during such meetings but cautioned against using it for essential needs.

“I’ve encouraged our people to take the money, and have fun with it, don’t use it for any other purpose such as paying fees, because it carries the blood of the fallen Gen Zs,” he alleged.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, which remains a key battleground as leaders reposition ahead of future elections.

Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a key voice in the region, claimed that Mt Kenya residents have sidelined the President over what he described as growing dissatisfaction.

President Ruto has, however, dismissed similar claims in the past, maintaining that voters in the region will ultimately judge his performance and make their own political decisions.