Drama as Gachagua’s entourage briefly blocked at MP Kiaraho memorial service

Moment when allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were prevented from accessing VIP section the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County/SCREENGRAB

Tension marked the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County as a police officer was overheard directing that only former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua be allowed into the VIP section.

The policewoman issued firm instructions as leaders arrived for the high-profile event, saying, "You, what is it. Just allow Gachagua to walk in but do not allow others to pass,” as Nyandarua Senator John Methu, a close ally of Gachagua, attempted to access the restricted area.

Methu initially complied and stepped back but returned moments later, indicating that access had been granted.

A video circulating online later showed Gachagua and Methu walking into the VIP section side by side, suggesting the situation had been resolved.

Shortly afterward, President William Ruto arrived at the venue accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and several other elected leaders.

The service, held in Ol Kalou, unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tension, with Ruto and Gachagua sharing a podium for the first time in a charged public setting since their fallout.

In the days leading up to the memorial, Gachagua had warned allies of the President against attempting to block his attendance, insisting he had every right to be present.

The leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) described Nyandarua as his political backyard and maintained that he would attend the service regardless of any opposition.

Speaking on April 5, Gachagua reaffirmed his intention to attend, setting the stage for what many observers anticipated would be a politically sensitive gathering.

Kiaraho’s death has amplified political undercurrents in the Mt Kenya region, given his firm alignment with Ruto’s camp prior to his passing.

The late MP had backed key political positions, including Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, and had been actively campaigning for Ruto’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.

The impeachment of Gachagua not only removed him from office but also triggered a deep political split within Mt Kenya leadership.

Since then, rival factions have been engaged in a sustained battle to consolidate influence at the grassroots level, making public events such as Kiaraho’s memorial highly symbolic.

Kiaraho died on March 29, 2026, at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 62. Born on October 2, 1963, he was a trained architect and a graduate of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

He entered elective politics during the 2013 General Election, winning the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat on a The National Alliance (TNA) ticket under the Jubilee coalition wave that swept across central Kenya at the time.

He successfully defended his seat in the 2017 General Election after Jubilee transitioned into a unified political party.