Pray For Ruto- Gachagua Fires Warning To Him After Impeachment

Gachagua made his first public appearance on Sunday, October 27 at a church service at Saint James ACK Cathedral in Kiambu County following his ouster by the National Assembly and the Senate and his hospital admission.

Pray For Ruto- Gachagua Fires Warning To Him After Impeachment
Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at Saint James ACK Cathedral in Kiambu County. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed to Kenyans to keep President William Ruto in their prayers as his administration tackles the challenges affecting the general public.

Gachagua made his first public appearance on Sunday, October 27 at a church service at Saint James ACK Cathedral in Kiambu County following his ouster by the National Assembly and the Senate and his hospital admission.

The former DP who blamed his woes on his nature of always speaking the truth did not waste the opportunity to delve into some of the pressing concerns of the citizenry, particularly over-taxation, economic adversities and challenges in the health system.

While praying for God’s wisdom for President William Ruto, Gachagaua appeared to take a dig at the current government citing over-taxation and economic adversities.

Collage of President William Ruto (right) and his former Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. /PCS.DPPS

The current chaos and confusion in the health sector following the transition from NHIF to SHIF also made it to the impeached Deputy President’s speech, with Gachagua noting that the failing health system is among the challenges that need wisdom to resolve.

“We want to ask the people of Kenya to remain peaceful and pray for our President William Ruto to give him the wisdom to navigate the challenges affecting the Kenyan people.

“Our people are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, because of over-taxation and because of failing health systems and the President has a big job to do. We want to ask for prayers for him for God to give him wisdom so that the people of Kenya can get some relief as they go about their businesses.” Gachagua stated.

Additionally, he fired a subliminal at President Ruto, warning him that the Mt Kenya region will not forget how the impeachment against him was plotted.

 "We forgive but we don't forget. I've heard people saying that 3 years is a lot of time and that by 2027, people will have forgotten. Even the atrocities meted on us by the white man, the pain we suffered under President Moi, we still remember. When the time is right, we will address the issue at hand. But at the moment, we will keep quiet," he stated.

The ousted Deputy President, despite the strong message, appeared much calmer after three weeks of intense battles with the National Assembly, the Senate, and now the High Court. 

Gachagua was accompanied by a number of his allies during the church service, including his staunch supporter Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa.

His statement on Sunday followed the tough words he used on President Ruto last Sunday when he accused the President of betrayal, saying he did not know the Head of State “could be that vicious.”

Gachagua's political future is currently on the brink of disintegration, with his only hopes of salvaging the Deputy Presidency lying with the case which is currently in the High Court.

Meanwhile, President Ruto retreated to his Uasin Gishu home turf, worshipping at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Moiben. During the service, he acknowledged challenges that have characterised the healthcare sector and urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“I know we have had challenges because we are transitioning from what it was to the new model and in every transition there will be challenges. Those challenges we are managing. Last week, we released funds to help hospitals and dispensaries across Kenya and next week, we will continue to provide more money until we ensure that the transition is complete,” Ruto stated.

In his address, the President again steered clear of addressing the matter, focusing mainly on the development and his priorities for the country.

Rigathi Gachagua speaking outside Karen Hospital on October 20, 2024. /X