‘Respect those who voted for you’ Gachagua tells Ruto over vaccination remarks

Gachagua spoke during a church service at Bahati Church in Ichamara, Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, criticising the President's alleged habit of insulting Kenyans who oppose controversial government policies.

“If nothing else, respect this community for their kindness towards you,” Gachagua said, adding, “You now have new friends, but your work is to take them to rallies to insult and lecture us, calling us stupid.”

Gachagua singled out the President's remarks on cattle vaccination, which has faced opposition in some parts of the country.

He urged Ruto to listen to Kenyans’ views instead of dismissing them with derogatory comments.

“Wakitoa maoni yao, hakuna haja kuwatukana—skiza tu, hata kama hupendi,” Gachagua said. “Hakuna haja ya kusema ati wako na mapepo. When it comes to this issue of cattle, there’s no need to call people stupid, especially those who voted for you.”

The former deputy president accused Ruto of labelling a group of central region politicians as tribalists, which he considered unfair given the President's overwhelming support from Mt. Kenya during the previous election.

“Don’t insult us or call us tribalists. We voted for you even though you are not from our tribe. That alone shows we are not tribalists,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua also claimed there was a government-led plot to assassinate him.

Referring to the attack in Limuru on November 28, he alleged that the government hired Kikuyu youths to create the impression of an internal community conflict.

“The attack was a clear assassination attempt orchestrated by the government, using Kikuyu youths to make it look like the community is fighting itself,” Gachagua said. He criticized Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for failing to prosecute those responsible, despite what he described as sufficient evidence.

“I know who attacked me. Why haven’t they been arrested if this wasn’t planned by the government? Instead, my allies are constantly harassed to cover up what happened in Limuru,” he claimed.

Gachagua also addressed the political future of Central Kenya, claiming that the current administration has humiliated the region and betrayed its leaders.

He accused political analysts of misrepresenting the region's dynamics, claiming they do not understand the principles that guide its people.

“In this community, betrayal is a taboo, an abomination. It is one act that is never forgiven—there is no remedy,” he said.

Gachagua has promised to lead a political resurgence on Mount Kenya and promised to make a major announcement in January 2025 to restore the region's dignity and independence.

“Come next year, I will make an announcement as per the wishes of the people of Mt. Kenya. Be assured that we will regain our dignity as a community,” he concluded.

The former deputy president’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and growing concerns over the unity of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region ahead of the next election cycle.