Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service on November 2, 2024
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has changed tack in a bid to sustain his popularity in his Mt Kenya turf days after he was removed from office.
The ex-DP has embraced a conciliatory tone, telling his Mt Kenya backyard to remain calm and exercise peace following his removal from office.
Since his ouster, Gachagua has also avoided calling for public rallies and instead has opted to attend funerals and church services to preach for peace.
Gachagua has attended at least three funerals and used them to calm jitters in his backyard, asking his people to accept his ouster and wait for revenge at the ballot.
In a surprise move, Gachagua has avoided antagonising the government he served as second in command in the last two years and instead called on his supporters to give President William Ruto time.
“We have no problem with the President. We want to give him time for the remaining three years to fulfil the promises he made,’’ Gachagua said when he attended a funeral in Gichugu, Kirinyaga on Saturday.
Many had hoped that after his removal from office, Gachagua would go ballistic on the Kenya Kwanza government and his boss.
It is alleged that Gachagua has opted to avoid hitting out on the government to insulate himself against being targeted by state machinery for persecution.
In his carefully worded words, Gachagua has signalled a political comeback and told his supporters to wait for his signal ahead of 2027.
In his congratulatory message to US President-Elect Donald Trump, Gachagua appeared to suggest that like Trump who made a historic comeback to the White House.
He praised Trump’s perseverance in overcoming obstacles in his quest to return to the White House as the 47th president.
“Congratulations, President Donald Trump, for one of the greatest political comebacks of our generation,” Gachagua stated.
He commended Trump’s perseverance through numerous challenges, seeing the win as a powerful example of triumph over adversity.
“Your victory is clear proof that resilience and a never-say-die attitude will always TRUMP obstacles on the path to your destiny. God Bless You. God Bless America.”
Speaking at the funeral of businesswoman Lucy Wambui in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, Gachagua urged residents to remain calm and refrain from protests.
“Many people are calling me, asking what is going to happen. Please, do not worry… Our community is very unique, and many were surprised. They expected people to take to the streets, lighting bonfires, destroying vehicles, shouting – but no, that is not who we are. These people do not know us well. When we feel offended, we keep quiet,” he said.
He, however, encouraged residents to express their frustrations through song and dance.
“Say nothing, and if you feel strongly that you must express yourself, do it through song and dance.”
In his court battle, Gachagua has changed tack, withdrawing an application seeking to block the High Court from lifting orders that had stopped Kithure Kindiki from assuming office as the second in command.
His lawyer, Paul Muite, told the Court of Appeal on Wednesday that the orders sought had been overtaken by events as Kindiki was sworn as his successor on Friday.
Muite instead said Gachagua now wants the court to determine his appeal on whether High Court judges Eric Ogola, Freda Mugambi and Anthony Mrima were legally appointed.
According to him, there is a legal uncertainty about whether Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu had powers to empanel a Bench, a role he said was a preserve of the Chief Justice.
He urged judges Patrick Kiage, George Odunga and Aggrey Muchelule to expedite the case, citing its importance to the country. Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and the Senate did not oppose the application.
He hopes that the Court of Appeal will find the empanelment illegal and declare the high court proceedings null and void so that he can save his political career.
It has also emerged that Gachagua has a lean team of security officers guarding wherever he goes following his impeachment.
At least two security guards of the elite presidential guards have remained with Gachagua since he was kicked out of office.
The Star understands that the two are part of the team that was reinstated for close protection after being recalled hours after his removal from office by the Senate on October 17.
When he was discharged from the Karen Hospital on October 20, Gachagua complained that his security had been withdrawn, exposing him and his family to potential harm.
Over the last few days, Gachagua has been seen in the company of at least two police officers guarding him to ensure his personal safety.
Political analyst Alexander Nyamboga said Gachagua is cleverly scheming for a political comeback without being seen to fight President Ruto’s government directly.
“It is a matter of time before he openly joins forces with opposition leaders who opposed his impeachment. Waters will settle after the court cases are finalised,” he said.
