Belgut MP Nelson Koech Makes Unexpected Apology to Uhuru on Live TV
Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has issued a public apology to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, expressing regret for participating in a campaign that discredited the ex-head of state ahead of the 2022 General Elections.
Speaking on a live TV show on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Koech admitted he had been misled by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who previously claimed that Uhuru neglected the Mt Kenya region in terms of development.
“I want to sincerely apologise to Uhuru Kenyatta after realizing the kind of person Rigathi Gachagua is,” Koech stated during the morning broadcast.
Dispute Over Development Projects
Koech, who chairs the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, accused Gachagua of orchestrating a misleading narrative to tarnish Uhuru’s legacy. He noted that during the 2022 campaign period, Gachagua insisted that the former president had failed to initiate projects in Mt Kenya.
However, the Belgut MP pointed out Gachagua’s recent change of stance, where he credited Uhuru for launching key projects in the region. This contradiction, he argued, revealed the DP’s political dishonesty.
“He is now saying that the president is going to launch projects initiated by Uhuru Kenyatta. But during the campaigns, he strongly insisted that not a single development project had been started by Uhuru. If you check the rally footage, you will see how he aggressively pushed that narrative,” Koech remarked.
The MP recounted how he had attended multiple rallies in the Mt Kenya region, where the campaign message revolved around accusations that Uhuru had neglected the area. According to Koech, Gachagua played a pivotal role in pushing this agenda.
“Now, he is acknowledging the same projects he previously denied existed. That is completely going against his own words,” Koech added.
Gachagua’s Claims and Ruto’s Response
Ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled tour of Mt Kenya, Gachagua addressed residents at Redhill in Kiambu County, where he renewed his attack on the head of state. He accused Ruto of attempting to take credit for projects that were actually initiated by Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The president is coming here with false claims. We want to remind him to be truthful. Every project in this region was started by Uhuru Kenyatta. Not a single project can be credited to him,” Gachagua declared.
He further alleged that the Ruto administration had refused to complete the infrastructure projects left behind by Uhuru, urging the president to clarify what he had done for the people of Mt Kenya since assuming office.
In response, Ruto dismissed the allegations, asserting that his government had spearheaded several projects in the region, including a major road passing outside Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home.
Political Implications
Koech’s unexpected apology and criticism of Gachagua have stirred political tension within the ruling party. His remarks highlight the growing rift among key figures in the administration, particularly concerning their allegiance and past campaign strategies.
With Ruto set to visit Mt Kenya, the fallout from this debate is likely to shape political discussions in the coming days.
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Belgut MP Nelson Koech Makes Unexpected Apology to Uhuru on Live TV
