Speaking on Saturday, January 25, 2025, during a meeting with NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua denied the accusations and explained that his support for Ruto was based on national unity, not tribalism.
"I, Rigathi Gachagua, am not tribal," Gachagua said, emphasizing that he had supported President Ruto despite the fact that the two come from different ethnic groups.
"87 percent of the people from my community voted for him.
We know he is not a Kikuyu. We are nationalists, and it is insulting to us for the President to say otherwise."
His comments came in response to remarks made by President Ruto on January 23, 2025, during a visit to Vihiga.
The President had accused Gachagua of being incompetent, corrupt, and fostering tribal politics.
"There are people trying to lead us into hateful and tribal politics," Ruto had said.
"People who we gave jobs have failed, and they will continue sinking because of their incompetence and corruption."
In his response, Gachagua suggested that Ruto's criticisms were born out of frustration and disappointment.
"The President is upset because of the strong opposition from the Mt. Kenya region," Gachagua explained.
"They feel betrayed, and this frustration is now being directed at me."
Gachagua further pointed out that his political choices had always been about national unity.
"We know how to put the country's interests above tribe," he said, noting the strong support Ruto had received from the Kikuyu community despite not being from the same ethnic group.
Martha Karua, who was also present at the meeting, echoed Gachagua's sentiments.
Karua criticized President Ruto for his leadership style, accusing him of being dictatorial.
"Kenya doesn't belong to one person," she said. "Sovereignty belongs to the people, and when the people reject you, you must step down."
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