Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Buuri MP, Mugambi Rindikiri, accusing him of allegedly accepting a bribe to block him from attending a church service.

Speaking at AIPCA St. Mary's Church, Buuri Constituency, on Sunday, June 22, Gachagua expressed deep disappointment, saying that he was embarrassed by the legislator’s actions despite previously campaigning for him.

“I am very embarrassed by the MP for Buuri. I came here nine times to campaign for him. He cried to me for help when his opponent from Jubilee was overpowering him. I stood by him. I saw him bowing to greet President William Ruto, with his head almost touching the ground. He is just a human being, not God—yet you worship him as if he were,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua alleged that the MP had received KSh 3 million to block roads with stones to prevent him and his team from attending the church event.

He further claimed that the MP was also paid to instigate violence among women in the area.

“I used to respect you, thinking that grey hair was a sign of wisdom. I have since changed my mind based on what I’ve seen in Buuri. Even if it’s disrespect, how do you justify planning violence against your brother? You sank too low to stop us from coming to the church of Christ — how will you be elected again?” Gachagua questioned.

He warned MPs to tread carefully amid rising political tensions and urged them not to allow themselves to be used to divide the people.

"You don’t fight your brother; you stand together, just as other communities always do," the DCP leader emphasised.

The former deputy president called on residents to rally behind his message of unity and openly criticised Ruto’s leadership style, accusing him of isolating those who do not support his agenda by branding them as tribalists.

Further, Gachagua expressed pride in his Meru roots, praising the people of Meru for redeeming their community's dignity in recent days.

He emphasised his lasting gratitude and noted that it is not right to humiliate and persecute the very community that once played a key role in making someone president.

Additionally, Gachagua cautioned his supporters against using the phrase 'yes sir'—a term reportedly directed at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki — saying it has stirred further divisions and is only worsening the situation.

In other news, nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni faced backlash from Meru residents after praising Ruto for allegedly supporting dairy farmers.

Her remarks, which credited the president for lowering animal feed prices, sparked immediate heckling from the crowd.

The residents interrupted her speech, forcing her to retract her statement. She later admitted that farm input prices had not decreased and promised to follow up with the president on the issue.

Source: TUKO.co.ke