Ruto, Gachagua tear at each other in battle for Mt Kenya

President William Ruto condoles with Jacqueline Kiaraho, widow of MP David Kiaraho, in Ol Kalou on April 8, 2026/PCS

The memorial service conducted by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) was marked by veiled attacks as the leaders appealed to the region.

President Ruto used his address to celebrate Kiaraho as a development-focused leader.

This was even as he drew a sharp contrast between performance and what he termed as ‘noise, fights and insults’ in politics.

“I knew him when he was elected MP and can bear witness that he was focused, forthright and committed. Every time he invited me here, it was about development for the people,” Ruto said.

He took a swipe at his critics, particularly Gachagua’s camp, saying Kiaraho’s journey showed that leadership would ultimately be judged on delivery.

“It reminds us today that Kenyans recognise work, not noise, fights, insults and drama,” Ruto said, in remarks that drew applause from sections of the crowd and murmurs from others.

The President recalled how Kiaraho had defeated the ruling party’s candidate in 2022, using it as a lesson to leaders across the political divide.

“In 2022, we tried as UDA to compete with him, but he beat us because of the work he had done for the people,” he said.

From his message, it was clear that the President is determined to mount his 2027 reelection campaign on development as he seeks to retain the restless Mt Kenya region.

He had a long list of projects from roads, a university, a hospital and a stadium, promising that his administration would deliver on every pledge made to the region.

“I have been given a long list of roads I have pronounced on. It is I who said, and I have the brains of how they will be delivered. I will pass the exam,” he said.

He cited the tarmacking of key roads across Nyandarua, the establishment of Nyandarua University College, and the completion of JM Memorial Hospital as his key projects.

“Those attacking me in words, I will respond with actions,” he said.

Ruto further sought to calm tensions, maintaining that his relationship with Mt Kenya remains intact despite political headwinds.

“I know I was supported by Mt Kenya residents. Our friendship is not for days. Let no one bring fights between the Mt Kenya people and me,” he said.

Yet, even as he spoke of unity, he warned the dissenting voices, saying he won’t be distracted.

The President also outlined plans to visit the region, saying he needed no one’s permission for the same.

“If you are of noise and drama, Kenyans are not foolish,” he said.

In his tribute, Gachagua began by paying tribute to Kiaraho, describing him as a loyal friend who refused to betray him during his political troubles in 2024.

He struck a conciliatory tone, urging mourners and residents not to heckle the President at the service and during his future tours.

“We don’t want confrontation. This is a solemn occasion. If we have a problem, we will solve it in 2027,” the former DP said.

However, despite starting on a conciliatory note, his speech quickly evolved into a critique of the President and his allies.

The restraint was short-lived, restating that Ruto's downfall started the day he was impeached, arguing it was a mark of betrayal.

“When I was being hounded out of office, he [Kiaraho] was threatened to vote to impeach me, but he refused. He refused to be bribed when others were taking money to betray their community,” Gachagua said.

In a series of swipes, he accused Ruto of being misled by close allies and warned that the President risked alienating the very region that propelled him to power.

“President, create peace with this community. Don’t listen to the children,” he said, in what was widely seen as a jab at younger MPs aligned to Ruto.

Gachagua went further, accusing the President’s inner circle of fuelling divisions.

“I had warned you your allies will put you in trouble. They told you the storm would pass in two weeks,” he said.

The former Deputy President also took issue with what he described as disrespect towards Mt Kenya, cautioning against rhetoric that paints the region as tribal.

“When you call us tribal, you are hurting us. We elected you when you were not Kamau or Njoroge but Kipchirchir,” he said.

In what appeared as an assertion of his growing influence, Gachagua reminded the President of his deep roots in the region.

“It is true you kicked me out of office, but removing me from their hearts is like felling a tree with a razor blade,” he said.

Gachagua paraded his allies, potentially sending the message to Ruto that he has troops – both elected leaders and upcoming aspirants.

His ally, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, openly challenged the President, declaring that respect for his office did not equate to unquestioning loyalty.

“As senator, I respect you because you are President, but I don’t fear you,” Methu said, a statement that set the tone for the confrontational engagement that ensued.

He pressed Ruto to account for stalled projects, arguing that holding the government to account should not be dismissed as politics.

“Our work is not to come clap for you but remind you of the pending projects,” he said.

In one of the lines, Methu acknowledged Gachagua as the region’s political leader, speaking to the huge split within Mt Kenya.

Notably, several leaders allied to Gachagua avoided recognising Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

On the other side, leaders allied to Ruto sought to steady the narrative that all is not lost for the UDA team in the region.

Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku defended the government’s development record, saying many of the projects cited as stalled were in fact progressing.

“Your Excellency, you have been magnanimous in giving us funding. One of the roads mentioned as stalled is indeed in progress,” he said.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha maintained a neutral tone, asking for continuity.

He urged the President to complete projects initiated by the late MP. “We have been working together to solve the problems of Ol Kalou,” he said.

Other leaders, including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, steered clear of the escalating political exchanges.

In his speech, Ruto signalled that the confrontation is far from over. 

“Those saying many things, it is okay. I will meet you soon. I know the things going on in this country,” he said.

Gachagua, too, left no doubt that the battle lines have been drawn, though he said it was not yet time for the ultimate showdown.

“If we have a problem, we will solve it in 2027,” he said.