Tense Reunion as Ruto, Gachagua Share Stage in Nyandarua

First joint appearance since split draws national attention as rivalry reshapes Mt Kenya politics

By Chemtai Kirui | Ol Kalou

 

President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua appeared in public together on Wednesday for the first time since their political fallout, in a tense meeting at a memorial service in Nyandarua County.

 

The two leaders joined thousands of mourners at Ol Kalou Stadium for legislator David Njuguna Kiaraho, a three-term MP who died last month while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.

 

Their appearance comes amid a deepening rift that has reshaped political alignments in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

The fallout between Ruto and Gachagua has played out publicly in recent months, with allies trading accusations and political camps forming within the ruling coalition.

 

The two arrived separately and exchanged a brief handshake before keeping their distance throughout the ceremony.

 

The meeting was widely anticipated, with local leaders urging calm in the days leading up to the event..

 

The event drew national attention, with observers watching for signs of reconciliation or further fallout.

 

Tensions briefly surfaced when Nyandarua Senator John Methu broke protocol in his remarks, criticising stalled infrastructure projects, including the Kariamu–Shamata road, and referring to Gachagua as the “People’s Deputy President”, a remark that drew murmurs from the crowd. His microphone was switched off by the funeral committee chair, Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku, as he continued speaking.

 

The confrontation spilled beyond the podium, with Methu seen in a heated exchange with ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo in the VIP section, emphasizing tensions among leaders aligned to rival camps.

 

Gachagua, who has emerged as a critic of the administration since the split, called for calm among his supporters, but also made pointed remarks urging respect for leaders and warning against what he described as political hostility, signalling continued tensions within the ruling coalition.

 

In his address, Ruto focused on government programmes, including agricultural support and broader economic measures, as he defended the administration’s agenda, while Gachagua addressed local concerns and emphasised unity among residents.

 

The event underscored the shifting political dynamics in central Kenya, where both leaders retain influence and are seeking to consolidate support.

 

Kiaraho, who was serving his term as a member of parliament, was remembered by speakers as a grassroots leader and advocate for development in the constituency.

 

The burial is scheduled for Friday 10th, at his farm in Tigoni, Limuru.

 

The mixed reactions from sections of the crowd reflected the political divisions surrounding the two leaders, highlighting the competition for control of the Mt Kenya political base.