Ruto Breaks Silence on Abrupt Embu Cancellation as Gachagua Fallout Grows

President William Ruto with his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House Nairobi.
President William Ruto with his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House Nairobi.
William Ruto

President William Ruto has clarified his sudden decision to cancel his visit to Embu County, amid mounting tensions over Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment.

Speaking at the AIC Milimani Church in Nairobi on Sunday, October 13, Ruto stated he opted to attend the church's 30th anniversary celebration instead, citing a long-standing connection with the congregation.

The president was originally scheduled to lead the 34th diocesan anniversary at St Mark’s Teachers Training College, Kigari, but pulled out just hours before the event, fuelling speculation over the true reasons behind the cancellation. His absence was notable as it came on the same day Gachagua was making his first public appearance since the contentious impeachment vote in Parliament.

Ruto explained that his commitment to the AIC Milimani celebration was personal, describing the church as his "home." He emphasised his history with the congregation, recalling how it grew from 10 families to 3,000 members over the years.

Ruto and Gachagua
President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sharing a moment during the National Prayer Breakfast.
Photo
PSC

"I missed the 25-year celebration. I was not going to miss the 30-year one," he stated, aiming to dispel doubts surrounding his abrupt change of plans.

Despite Ruto's clarification, questions remain about the timing of his decision. The president did not address the rift within the Mt Kenya region or the impeachment debate, which has triggered political fallout across the country. His silence on the matter contrasts with his usual hands-on approach, leaving many to wonder if the cancellation was a strategic move to avoid escalating the situation.

State House insisted the Embu visit was scrapped due to a scheduling conflict, but the explanation has done little to quell speculation. The planned visit was already postponed once in July, citing security concerns after threats from protestors. Now, as political temperatures in Mt Kenya rise, the last-minute cancellation appears to be an effort to let the situation settle.

Gachagua's impeachment, backed by 282 MPs on Tuesday, has divided Mt Kenya deeply. Local leaders who supported the motion are facing backlash from constituents who view the Deputy President as a victim in a larger power struggle. The tension has made some MPs hesitant to return to their constituencies, with some even bolstering security at their rural homes.

The president's recent reluctance to address the political crisis has not gone unnoticed. His typically active public schedule has been subdued, sparking speculation about his next move. The political fallout following Gachagua's ousting continues to unfold, raising questions about Ruto's strategy to navigate the region's growing unrest.

With Mt Kenya's political landscape shifting, Ruto's choice to stay silent on the impeachment debate may signal a calculated approach to contain the brewing storm without fanning the flames. As leaders scramble to respond to their constituents' frustrations, the president’s next steps will be closely watched. 

Ruto
President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House, Nairobi on April 30, 2024.
PCS