President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua engaged in a subtle political showdown on Friday, September 12, as Murang’a leaders split their loyalty between the two camps.
At State House, President Ruto, flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, met a delegation led by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) said discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between the national government and county leadership to deliver “transformative development for the people of Murang’a.”
“President William Ruto today hosted grassroots leaders from Murang’a County at State House, Nairobi. Accompanied by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and MCAs,” the party said in a statement.
“Together, we are building a united, inclusive, and prosperous Kenya where every county has a voice at the table.”
In his meeting, President William Ruto declared that there is no longer any room in Kenya for tribalistic and retrogressive politics that enrich a few at the expense of the many.
He emphasized that the country is charting a new course — one of bold, visionary leadership that transforms lives and unites the nation.
Ruto announced that his government has allocated Ksh23 billion for the construction of 10,300 affordable houses, Ksh3.5 billion to upgrade roads, Ksh2.3 billion for the development of 23 modern markets, and Sh3 billion for new student hostels.
“To accelerate entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, more than 10,000 households will be connected to electricity by December through our ambitious Sh850 million electrification project,” he said.
He further revealed that the government has committed to build two modern stadiums worth over Sh1.5 billion and to connect Kangema, Mathioya, Kiharu, and Kandara to clean water under a Ksh2.4 billion water project.
Meanwhile, another faction led by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu met Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence.
The group included key members of the County Assembly, among them Majority Whip Maurice Thuku, Kariara Ward MCA Gichihi Mbatia, Steven Kimani, and Deputy Majority Leader Liz Mbugua.
Senator Nyutu accused Ruto of trying to lure Murang’a leaders with handouts.
“Ruto knows the needs of Murang’a people. He doesn’t have to call them to the State House to learn from them. He only called them to bribe them in a desperate attempt to weaken Gachagua, whom we have embraced as our national leader,” Nyutu said.
He dismissed the State House meeting as inconsequential, claiming it only drew about 4,000 out of Murang’a’s one million residents.
On his part, Gachagua alleged that MCAs had rejected a Ksh 300,000 bribe to attend what he termed a “staged comedy session at State House.”
“I salute Murang’a County Assembly members for their integrity and unwavering stand against corruption,” Gachagua said.
“They refused to be part of a gathering where falsehoods were peddled, and schemes to divide and betray the mountain were orchestrated.”
The former Deputy President urged Murang’a residents to identify leaders who stand firm against betrayal and resist short-term political gains.
“These are the true leaders of Murang’a. I urge our people to take note of traitors in State House—those selling their community for money. In two years, let us elect leaders who represent our interests and not sell our birthright,” he said.
