Democracy for Citizen Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political attacks against President William Ruto, accusing him of using state resources to advance personal interests. During a three-day tour of Meru County that began on Friday, Gachagua claimed the President is constructing a road to a luxury hotel allegedly linked to him, instead of investing in infrastructure that would benefit local farmers.
Speaking to a charged crowd, Gachagua urged Meru residents to boycott the hotel, which he described as a symbol of betrayal and misplaced priorities. “You are building a road to your hotel instead of building one to help farmers access factories. Do you think Meru people are fools who will come drink tea at your hotel?” he posed. He further accused Ruto, whom he referred to as “Kasongo,” of plotting to politically dominate the Mt. Kenya region, likening his tactics to those used by former President Daniel Moi.
Gachagua, who now leads the opposition-leaning DCP, also lashed out at MPs he claims conspired in his ouster, alleging that the move robbed the region of key development opportunities. His remarks come in the wake of his impeachment as Deputy President, which he has termed unjust and politically motivated.
Accompanying Gachagua was former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and DCP National Organising Secretary Mithika Linturi, who rallied the Meru people not to fear political intimidation. “Even if we have no MPs, Meru is not short of patriotic leaders,” Linturi said.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara echoed the sentiments, accusing the government of mortgaging the future of young Kenyans through debt and neglecting basic services like education. “Our children are out of school, and the government is busy collecting debt and building hotels,” she lamented.
As tensions continue to mount within the political landscape, Gachagua’s latest accusations add fuel to a growing rift between him and President Ruto, signaling a fierce political contest in the lead-up to the next general elections.
