Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President of Kenya, has accused President William Ruto and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah of intimidating the Kikuyu community. Speaking at a Sunday service at PCEA Kamangu in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, on November 1, 2026, Gachagua alleged that state interference has reached churches and threatens freedom of worship. He claimed that Ichung'wah has helped Ruto persecute people from the region and harm local businesses.
Gachagua accused Ichung'wah of being used to attack political leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He also alleged that political interference had extended to the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), claiming church leaders had threatened a parish minister for welcoming him to the service. Gachagua expressed concern that Ruto's interference had reached the point where he even wants to dictate how people sit in church.
Gachagua stated that he and his allies would seek political change in the 2027 General Election and predicted that the alleged intimidation would end after the vote. He named August 10, 2027, as the date by which he expected interference in the church to end. He also said he would write to the PCEA Moderator of the General Assembly, asking him to protect the parish minister from harassment.
The former deputy president further accused Ruto of taking Mt Kenya's political support for granted, asking whether the president would have won without votes from the region. Gachagua emphasized that he would continue defending the community's identity despite being labelled tribal. He stated that he would stand with the dignity of the Mt Kenya community and not allow anybody to intimidate the Kikuyu nation.
Gachagua called for respect for Kenyatta and warned against attempts to undermine the former president and his family. He also accused Ruto of bringing colonial-style practices into Kenya by interfering in church matters. Gachagua urged Ruto to stop interfering in church affairs, emphasizing that this is not acceptable in the Republic of Kenya.
The accusations come at a time when Gachagua is positioning himself for the 2027 General Election. He expressed determination to liberate the country from what he perceives as Ruto's interference. Gachagua's comments have sparked a heated debate in Kenyan politics, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their opinions.
Gachagua's speech at the PCEA Kamangu church service was a clear indication of his intention to challenge Ruto's leadership. The event was attended by many of Gachagua's supporters, who seemed to welcome his message of resistance against Ruto's administration. The outcome of the 2027 General Election will likely depend on how Kenyans respond to Gachagua's call for change.
Key points
- Gachagua accuses Ruto and Ichung'wah of intimidating Kikuyu community
- Gachagua vows to seek political change in 2027 General Election
- Gachagua urges Ruto to stop interfering in church matters
