Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has dropped a political bombshell, claiming that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is using intermediaries to secretly contact President William Ruto at night for negotiations; while promising to tone down his fiery criticism of the government.
The revelation came during an empowerment programme in Kariti Ward, Kirinyaga County, on 12 March 2026, amid growing tensions in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking at the event, Waiguru defended her past support for Gachagua during his time as Deputy President. She revealed she was part of the team that stood by him during difficult moments and worked behind the scenes for unity.
“I was part of the team that defended him and worked to ensure there was peace at the time he was in office,” Waiguru said. “I do not know what changed later, but the meetings we held then were successful and meant to build unity.”
She expressed disappointment that Gachagua has since turned against her and other former allies, publicly branding her a traitor.
She was concerned that the only region raising issues for the government is just 4 counties out of the 47. “Let’s say Rigathi was allowed to vie in the elections, he would only have 4 per cent of the total votes. You cannot even place that on the table. Since he was in government, he knows they are not going anywhere”
Waiguru went further, alleging that Gachagua and his allies have been secretly reaching out to President Ruto through agents for late-night talks.
According to her circulating speech, the former DP is seeking a political “handshake” while promising to reduce his insults and criticism of the government.
“Gachagua and his aids have been reaching out to the president at night and daytime promising that they will tone down their insults and criticism and bring mount Kenya to the table” she paused.
“If he has issues with the president, he should come to the table directly and talk. Sending agents at night will not solve the problem,” Waiguru stated.
She added that Gachagua wants to first consolidate control over the Mt Kenya voting bloc before using it as a bargaining chip in national politics.“Mt Kenya cannot belong to one person who then negotiates with it as if it were private property,”
The political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region is on the rise. Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has been vocal in criticizing the government and leaders who remain loyal to President Ruto.
Waiguru,has urged the region to stay with the government ahead of the 2027 elections. “In Kenyan politics, today’s rivals can become tomorrow’s partners. The history of this country shows that clearly.” she said.
Rigathi Gachagua has not publicly responded to the specific claims.
