Gachagua Warns Mt Kenya Residents Ahead of Ruto’s Tour: ‘Money is Coming in Bags’
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Mt Kenya residents to be wary of President William Ruto’s upcoming tour, claiming that the visit will be accompanied by large sums of money aimed at appeasing the region.
Speaking in Naivasha on Saturday, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto would spare no expense in an attempt to restore public trust in his administration. He urged the people of Mt Kenya to take the money but not to mix it with their own, claiming that it was ‘cursed.’
Gachagua’s Message to Mt Kenya Residents
“Don’t worry. Get ready, money is coming in bags. Take it, but don’t go home with it; it is cursed. Eat that money at the market. Do not mix it with the money you already have. If you have a loan with a shylock, use that money to pay it off,” Gachagua stated.
The former DP also advised residents to demand higher payments for participating in mobilisation efforts during the president’s visit.
“If you are going to listen to lies, ask for a hefty price because lies are a bad thing. Don’t accept Ksh.200, listening to lies starts from Ksh.3,000. Women ululating is worth Ksh.10,000 and clapping is Ksh.2,000. Laughing is Ksh.5,000,” he added.
He further challenged President Ruto to prepare financially for the visit. “All that needs around Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.30,000. President Ruto, get your finances in order and bring the money—we elected you for free.”
Gachagua’s Fallout with Kenya Kwanza
For two years, Gachagua was considered the political leader of the Mt Kenya region as the highest-ranking elected official from the area. However, following his impeachment, he has emerged as a key critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises.
His statements reflect the growing tensions between the former DP and the government, with his allies intensifying their criticism of Ruto’s leadership.
President Ruto’s Mt Kenya Tour
President Ruto is set to embark on a week-long tour of the Mt Kenya region, beginning Tuesday, April 1, in Laikipia and Nyeri Counties, before concluding in Tharaka Nithi County on Friday, April 4. This will be his first visit to the region since Gachagua’s impeachment.
Aware of the region’s electoral significance, the head of state is expected to pull out all the stops to win back support. During the 2022 elections, Ruto secured 3.5 million votes from Mt Kenya out of the 7.1 million cast nationwide.
In anticipation of the visit, leaders allied with the government have been dispatched to mobilise residents for a warm reception. The political battle for the region’s loyalty is heating up, with Gachagua and his allies mounting a formidable opposition.
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Gachagua Warns Mt Kenya Residents Ahead of Ruto’s Tour: ‘Money is Coming in Bags’