Nyandarua: Looming Showdown as Gachagua Vows to Share Podium with Ruto During Late MP’s Burial

Nyandarua: Looming Showdown as Gachagua Vows to Share Podium with Ruto During Late MP’s Burial

A political confrontation is shaping up in Nyandarua County ahead of the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declaring he will attend the ceremony alongside President William Ruto despite rising tensions between the two leaders.

The burial arrangements, which include a requiem mass scheduled at Ol Kalou TTI and a memorial service at Ol Kalou Stadium on April 8, are expected to draw a wide range of political figures. However, the event is increasingly being viewed as a potential flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the president and his former deputy.

Speaking on Sunday, April 5, Gachagua confirmed his attendance and warned against any attempts to block him or members of his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) from participating in the funeral proceedings.

“Nyandarua is our home. This Ruto person kicked us out of office, he cannot kick us out of office and then kick us out of our homes,” Gachagua said, signalling defiance amid reports of possible tensions at the event.

He further cautioned local leaders, including Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Wairimu Gitau, against attempts to restrict access to the ceremony, insisting that opposition leaders have a right to attend.

“We cannot miss [being at] a home celebration,” he added, emphasising his intention to remain in the area until the burial is concluded.

Gachagua maintained that while the president is welcome to attend the funeral, he should do so as a guest and respect local political dynamics.

“If you come to the funeral of Ol Kalou MP Kiaraho, come with respect… you are a visitor,” he stated, referencing Nyandarua’s historical significance as a key region during the Mau Mau struggle, associated with figures such as Dedan Kimathi.

The burial comes at a politically sensitive time, with analysts suggesting that Kiaraho’s death could reignite competition for influence in the Mt Kenya region. The late legislator had been a close ally of President Ruto and was aligned with key government positions, including support for Gachagua’s impeachment in October.

That political fallout not only led to Gachagua’s removal from office but also exposed deep divisions within the Mt Kenya political bloc, splitting leaders between those loyal to the president and those backing his former deputy.

President Ruto, in his condolence message, described Kiaraho as a dedicated leader committed to development and service to his constituents, highlighting his role within the ruling administration.

Political observers note that the upcoming by-election to fill the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat could serve as a critical battleground in determining political dominance in the region. Both camps are expected to use the contest to consolidate grassroots support ahead of future national political alignments.

The heightened rhetoric ahead of the burial underscores the broader struggle for influence, with public events increasingly becoming platforms for political messaging and mobilisation.

Despite the tensions, local leaders and security agencies are expected to ensure that the funeral proceedings remain peaceful and respectful, in honour of the late MP.

As preparations continue, attention will be on whether the event will proceed without incident or further escalate the rivalry between the two leaders, potentially shaping the political trajectory of the Mt Kenya region in the months ahead.

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Nyandarua: Looming Showdown as Gachagua Vows to Share Podium with Ruto During Late MP’s Burial