Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to be wary of President William Ruto's tactic of offering money to people during his tours of the country.
Speaking to residents of Kanyuambora in Mbeere, Embu County, Gachagua accused the Head of State of orchestrating a scheme to win back public trust by offering money to locals.
In his speech, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader told the residents to take the money offered to them by the President but warned them against repaying it with their votes.
"As the leader of Mt Kenya, the President will bring a lot of money here, we can not bury an elephant with its tusks, take the money but do not give him our votes," Gachagua said.
During the rally, he also urged the residents to teach President Ruto a lesson for reportedly firing one of their own, Justin Muturi, from a cabinet position.
Speaking on the phone with the locals, Gachagua pledged to work alongside other opposition leaders and Kenyans to make Ruto a single-term President in the next general elections.
He challenged the residents to stand up against the current administration, including the Head of State and other Kenya Kwanza politicians such as the area lawmakers allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Similarly, leaders allied to Gachagua also hit out at President Ruto's administration, accusing it of orchestrating violence and chaos witnessed during the DCP leader's arrival on Thursday this week.
In particular, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Tangwa alleged that the goons who clashed with them along the Mombasa Road from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were state-sponsored.
"Now we know that it is you, William Ruto, who caused the violence witnessed during Gachagua's arrival. Why are they only attacking Gachagua, that shows Gachagua is the leader," Karungo wa Thangwa alleged.
Meanwhile, the DCP leader arrived in Kenya on Thursday, August 21. Upon his arrival, he was received by a large delegation of political allies and supporters.
However, his arrival was marred by violence after a section of youth began attacking people, including journalists, who were injured while covering the procession along the Mombasa Road.
