Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku has revealed how he and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki tried to help Rigathi Gachagua avoid removal from office. Ruku also declared opposition to efforts uniting Mt Kenya votes behind Gachagua ahead of the 2027 election. He said their advice was ignored as Gachagua refused to be humble.
In an interview on Inooro TV's Kimuri segment, Minister Geoffrey Ruku explained that they met with Gachagua three times to persuade him to be humble, calm, respectful, and patient to avoid impeachment proceedings. "We sat with him three times. We tried to teach him how he could survive as Deputy President. We told him to be humble, calm, respectful, and patient. He did not listen," Ruku said.
Gachagua, now former Deputy President, admitted in his November 22, 2025 interview with Embu-language radio stations that Kindiki tried to mediate his conflict with President Ruto. "Prof Kindiki tried to intervene in my conflict with the President. He told me to be patient and obedient, to be humble and support the president. I refused. I told him it was impossible for me to be part of extrajudicial killings and murders," Gachagua claimed.
Ruku added that Gachagua allowed pride and arrogance to dominate, leading to his removal after two years in office. "Instead of listening to wisdom, Mr Gachagua allowed pride, arrogance, and contempt to prevail in his two years in office, and ultimately he was forced to be impeached," he said.
Currently, Gachagua claims no regrets over his removal and has three aims: uniting Mt Kenya, nurturing young leaders, and ousting Ruto in 2027. However, Ruku has vowed strong opposition. "As long as Gachagua is in the picture, Mt Kenya must be divided. It is better we divide if that ensures we stay in government," he said. He emphasized that Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and parts of Kirinyaga counties should unite to give Ruto at least two million votes in 2027.
Ruku noted that President Ruto will begin major tours in the Mt Kenya region from the New Year to launch development projects and strengthen support. "This is our government. Mt Kenya has the largest representation in government with ministers, principal secretaries, and other positions. We are the ones receiving the largest share of development. It is impossible for someone to say President Ruto is our enemy," Ruku said. He warned voters against following Gachagua, citing results from the Mbeere North by-election.