President William Ruto has reportedly instructed his close allies to halt their relentless attacks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Sources close to the presidency reveal that Ruto is growing increasingly concerned that the ongoing onslaught against Gachagua is backfiring, inadvertently boosting the former deputy president’s popularity and undermining his own presidency.
The directive comes amid escalating tensions within the ruling coalition, with Ruto allegedly lashing out at key allies, including Farouk Kibet and Oscar Sudi, for misleading him into pursuing an impeachment plot against Gachagua.
The president is said to have expressed frustration over the political miscalculations, which have not only failed to weaken Gachagua but have also galvanized support for him, particularly among his Mount Kenya base.
Ruto’s Frustration with Farouk and Sudi
According to insiders, President Ruto has privately reprimanded Farouk Kibet, his influential aide, and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi for their role in orchestrating the attacks against Gachagua.
The two are accused of pushing a narrative that Gachagua poses a significant threat to Ruto’s leadership, leading to a misguided strategy to isolate and discredit him.
However, the plan appears to have backfired spectacularly, with Gachagua emerging as a sympathetic figure and gaining traction among voters who view him as a victim of political witch-hunts.
Ruto is said to have warned his allies that their actions are creating unnecessary divisions within the ruling party and weakening his administration’s cohesion.
“The president is furious because the attacks on Gachagua are making him more popular than ever. It’s a classic case of unintended consequences,” a source within State House revealed.
Ichung’wa Told to Tone Down
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, another vocal critic of Gachagua, has also been instructed to tone down his rhetoric.
Ichungwa, who has been at the forefront of criticizing Gachagua’s leadership style and political ambitions, has been told to adopt a more conciliatory approach to avoid further alienating Gachagua’s supporters.
The MP’s fiery speeches and public spats with Gachagua have been seen as counterproductive, fueling perceptions of a deepening rift within the ruling coalition.
Gachagua’s Rising Popularity
Political analysts suggest that the attacks on Gachagua have inadvertently elevated his status as a formidable political force.
By portraying him as a victim of political persecution, his supporters have rallied behind him, viewing him as a champion of their interests.
This surge in popularity has reportedly rattled Ruto’s camp, prompting the president to intervene and call for a ceasefire.
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Gachagua, who has maintained a relatively low profile since his fallout with Ruto, has capitalized on the situation by positioning himself as a unifying figure within the Mount Kenya region.
His recent public appearances have drawn large crowds, with supporters chanting his name and expressing solidarity.
This resurgence has raised eyebrows within Ruto’s inner circle, with some fearing that Gachagua could emerge as a potential rival in the 2027 general elections.
Implications for Ruto’s Presidency
The fallout from the attacks on Gachagua has exposed cracks within the ruling coalition, threatening to destabilize Ruto’s carefully crafted political alliances.
The president’s decision to rein in his allies underscores the delicate balancing act he must perform to maintain unity within his administration while fending off potential challengers.
