However, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has provided clarity on the situation, attributing Gachagua's absence to scheduling conflicts rather than any deliberate snub.
According to Thang’wa, Gachagua had initially planned to attend Ruto’s Nyeri event but was unable to do so because of tight schedules.
He explained that Gachagua was committed to attending the centennial celebrations at a church in Kirinyaga, which had been planned to coincide with Ruto’s visit to Nyeri.
Thang’wa elaborated that both leaders had separate engagements on the same day. President Ruto was at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Nyeri, while Gachagua was representing him at the 100-year anniversary celebrations of a church in Kirinyaga.
Gachagua's absence at the Nyeri event was therefore a result of his prior commitment in Kirinyaga, which ran longer than expected.
A reserved seat for Gachagua at the Nyeri event remained empty throughout the service, fueling speculation about a possible rift between the Deputy President and the President.
However, Thang’wa dismissed these rumors, stating that the absence was merely due to logistical issues.
He assured that both leaders were scheduled to attend their respective services and that Gachagua had intended to join Ruto in Nyeri after his engagement in Kirinyaga.
The Senator also shared a photo of the church program and a plaque from the Kirinyaga church, which confirmed Ruto’s involvement in the event.
This evidence was presented to counter claims of a growing divide between the two leaders and to affirm that Gachagua's absence was not intentional.
This explanation comes against the backdrop of recent political maneuvering, with 48 MPs from Central Kenya reportedly shifting their support from Gachagua to Kindiki.
Additionally, 21 lawmakers from Mt Kenya East have made a similar move, adding to the speculation about internal political conflicts.
Earlier on the same day, Gachagua was also absent from the reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Ruto’s return from Germany.
This absence was noted by political observers and has been interpreted as part of the broader political realignments in the region.
Thang’wa's comments aim to put to rest the speculation surrounding Gachagua’s absence from the Nyeri event and to emphasize that the Deputy President’s commitment to his engagements was the reason for not attending the Nyeri function.
The Senator stressed that political opponents may be using these situations to drive a wedge between the Deputy President and the President.
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