Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has leveled serious accusations against President William Ruto, alleging a deliberate scheme to disrupt his recent political tour of Meru County. Speaking at a church service in Rwarera, Meru, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto utilized Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to orchestrate the mobilization of youths to interfere with his rallies.

According to Gachagua, KSh 3 million was disbursed through Members of Parliament (MPs) to pay youths to be hostile, "chase away" his team, and even light bonfires to block his rallies in Imenti and Igembe. He specifically mentioned that the Tigania East MP allegedly purchased machetes and arrows for the youths. However, Gachagua asserted that these efforts proved futile, as the sponsored youths instead joined his rallies, chanting "one-term," a popular slogan indicating a lack of support for Ruto's second term in the 2027 general elections. Gachagua emphasized that these youths were welcoming him with songs across Meru.

Gachagua further opined that President Ruto's anger stems from the realization that he has "lost the Mountain," referring to the politically significant Mt Kenya region. He stated that the people of Mt Kenya dislike betrayal and lies, which he claims Ruto has subjected them to, thereby eroding their support. Gachagua advised Ruto to "forget this mountain" and exclude it from his 2027 political strategy, asserting that his earlier advice on this matter was ignored.

The former Deputy President, who was impeached last October following a falling out with President Ruto, was accompanied by allies such as former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who has also become a vocal critic of Ruto after his dismissal from the Cabinet. In addition to the rally disruptions, Gachagua accused President Ruto of attempting to intimidate members of the clergy in Meru. He claimed that some bishops from AICPA were summoned to State House, where Ruto allegedly threatened them against providing a platform for Gachagua and his allies during religious events. Gachagua labeled Ruto's actions as dictatorial, highlighting his perceived desperation to control even church engagements.