Governor Waiguru tell off Gachagua for ‘lecturing’ Ruto in public

File image of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Former DP Rigathi Gahagua

A section of governors has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting and publicly lecturing President William Ruto.

The leaders, including Anne Waiguru, Muthomi Njuki, Ahmed Abdullahi, Gladys Wanga, Abdi Guyo, Irungu Kang’ata and Mahmood Mohamed, said Gachagua’s remarks undermined the dignity of the presidency.

Speaking in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, during the burial of the mother of Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti, the governors urged Gachagua to exercise political tolerance and maturity despite his differences with the Head of State.

Waiguru maintained that the Mt Kenya region will continue supporting President Ruto’s re-election, dismissing the opposition as lacking a clear agenda for wananchi.

“We will stay in government and not join the opposition. Like his predecessors Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto should be allowed to complete his two terms,” she said.

She further called on politicians to stop fence-sitting and clearly declare their political positions ahead of the 2027 General Election, accusing some leaders of sending mixed signals to their constituents.

Njuki termed it unacceptable for any leader to lecture the President in public, saying such conduct fuels division and undermines national unity.

“You cannot lecture the President when he is seated next to you. Show respect for the office he holds. If you are former, you remain former even after that,” Njuki said, referring to Gachagua’s remarks during the burial of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho.

On his part, Abdullahi warned that continued public attacks on the President could set a dangerous precedent as the country heads towards the next election cycle.

“The presidency is a symbol of national unity and must be respected at all times. Disrespecting the office is disrespecting the nation,” he said.

Kang’ata urged leaders to tone down political rhetoric and focus on service delivery, noting that the country is only sixteen months away from the elections.

Meanwhile, Wanga, Guyo and Mahmood steered away from political exchanges, instead calling on Kenyans to maintain peace and cohesion.