Political Earthquake: Gachagua's Ruto Bombshell Ignites Fury Among Mt Kenya MPs

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ignited a political firestorm on August 11, 2026, by launching a scathing critique of President William Ruto's four-year tenure. Speaking from the Democracy for Citizen Party (DCP) offices in Nairobi, Gachagua accused President Ruto of failing to uphold his pre-election promises to Kenyans. He specifically alleged that the President had overseen state capture, human rights violations, pervasive corruption, rampant wastage of public resources, and the troubling weaponisation of State agencies – the very vices Ruto had vowed to eradicate.

The accusations prompted an immediate and strong reaction from Parliament. Over 50 Members of Parliament allied with the Kenya Kwanza coalition momentarily left an afternoon plenary session at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, to address the media. National Assembly's Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, flanked by Minority leader Junet Mohamed and other MPs from the Broad Based Government, publicly denounced Gachagua. They branded him as the "biggest goon," "desperate for attention," and unequivocally "the most unpatriotic person," dismissing his statements as baseless.

Adding to the political turbulence, a retreat intended to address the internal struggles of the Broad-Based Government, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) demand for a running-mate position from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), faced significant disruption. The meeting, held at Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County, escalated into a dramatic walkout. Disgruntled leaders from the Mt Kenya region staged the protest in staunch defense of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Attendees revealed that outbursts by Kisii Governor Simba Arati angered a section of MPs, who perceived it as a humiliation meted out to Kindiki, leading to their withdrawal from the proceedings.