Rigathi Gachagua Claims Akorino Members Invited to State House Shortchanged, Paid only KSh 3k

Rigathi Gachagua Claims Akorino Members Invited to State House Shortchanged, Paid only KSh 3k

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that members of the Akorino community who were recently invited to State House Nairobi were underpaid and poorly facilitated, claims that have since triggered a sharp response from President William Ruto.

Speaking during a church service at PEFA Works Kajiado, Gachagua expressed concern over what he described as the mistreatment of individuals he said were invited to the State House for an engagement.

“All those Akorinos he has called at the State House are my people. They called me in the morning to inform me that they were called to take something. I gave them permission but warned that it should not be below KSh 10,000 because going to listen to lies is expensive,” Gachagua claimed.

According to the former deputy president, the group had allegedly been promised facilitation but were instead given KSh 3,000 each upon arrival, an amount he argued was insufficient to cover transport and meals.

“Upon reaching there, they were shortchanged. At the gate, they found envelopes and were warned not to open them. However, amid the session, one of them opened and sent me a message informing me that it was only KSh 3,000,” he alleged.

Gachagua further claimed that the attendees were not provided with lunch or additional support, adding that the total cost of attending the event may have resulted in personal losses for some individuals.

“Lunch has not been provided. So, calculating fare to and from and lunch, my Akorinos have registered a loss of KSh 1,200,” he stated, while advising community members to seek clarity on facilitation before accepting similar invitations in the future.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity and competition for influence, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where both the government and opposition leaders have intensified outreach efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In response, President Ruto dismissed the claims and launched a scathing attack on Gachagua, accusing him of attempting to control and mislead members of the public.

“Is there a man who can seek permission from another to do something? So who is that person alleging that people cannot work without him? Is that not a con man, a fraudster, a slave trader?” Ruto posed during a separate public address.

The president reiterated his commitment to engaging directly with citizens across the country, maintaining that his administration would continue to work with all regions regardless of political affiliations.

“These people will not succeed. They will go nowhere,” he added, in reference to opposition figures, signalling continued political tensions between the two leaders.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in an ongoing rivalry between Gachagua and Ruto, who were once close political allies before a fallout that has since reshaped alliances within the country’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, the State House meeting itself also drew attention following remarks by Akorino leader and content creator Karangu Muraya, who claimed to have received a spiritual message regarding the president’s tenure.

Speaking during the engagement, Muraya told attendees that he believed President Ruto would serve for a full decade in office, citing what he described as divine revelation.

His comments, which compared his church’s reach to the broad-based political arrangements seen in recent alliances, sparked mixed reactions online and among attendees, with some expressing surprise at the nature of the remarks.

The developments highlight the increasingly complex interplay between politics, religion, and public engagement in Kenya, particularly as leaders seek to consolidate support across diverse communities.

As the debate continues, attention now turns to whether further clarification will be provided regarding the allegations of underpayment, and how such claims may influence public perception ahead of future political engagements.

ALSO READ: John Methu Says He Feels Proud After Boldly Confronting Ruto at Nyandarua Funeral

Rigathi Gachagua Claims Akorino Members Invited to State House Shortchanged, Paid only KSh 3k