NYANDARUA, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed for calm and decorum during the memorial service of the late David Njuguna Kiaraho in Nyandarua County, urging mourners to refrain from political chants targeting President William Ruto.
The service, held in Ol Kalou on Wednesday, unfolded against a backdrop of palpable tension as leaders from rival political factions gathered to pay tribute to the late legislator.
Sections of the crowd broke into “One Term” chants as Moses Wetang’ula acknowledged dignitaries, prompting Gachagua to address the audience before the President took the podium.
“There will be no confrontation here. This is a solemn occasion, and we come in peace, and I am sure, President, you have come in peace,” Gachagua said, stressing that the memorial was meant to honour the late MP, not serve as a political platform.
He implored attendees to listen respectfully to the Head of State, saying: “He should be listened to and when he finishes, he should be allowed to go. I do not want to hear anything from you when the president starts to speak.”
Gachagua further reminded the crowd of the President’s democratic mandate.
“William Ruto should be given his respect because he is the president. We loved you, we respected you, and we elected you. If we have a problem, we will deal with that in 2027,” he said.
He also cautioned against turning the event into a political battleground, directly addressing the disruptive chants: “I do not want to hear ‘One Term’ here. That is something we will do out there. This is a respectful event.”
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The memorial comes amid heightened political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region following Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, which deepened divisions among local leaders. Since then, factions aligned with both Gachagua and President Ruto have been vying to consolidate grassroots influence.
David Njuguna Kiaraho, who died on March 29, 2026, had been aligned with Ruto’s camp, making the service one of the rare occasions where the two leaders shared a public platform since their political fallout.
In the days leading up to the memorial, Gachagua affirmed his attendance despite reports of opposition from some of the President’s allies, demonstrating a willingness to prioritise decorum over partisan divisions.
Analysts say the event underscores the delicate balancing act for Mt. Kenya politicians navigating personal grief, public sentiment, and the high-stakes political rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections.
