President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been publicly showcasing their newfound camaraderie following a period of rumored discord. Over the past three days, they have appeared together at various public and religious events.
Their recent joint activities included attending a tree-planting event in Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. They also participated in a church service at A.I.P.C.A Ndogino in Nyandarua on Sunday, where Ruto emphasized the importance of prayer ahead of their plans for a unity government. On Monday, they visited Nakuru to launch development projects and engage with local residents, emphasizing the need for national unity.
This display of unity comes in the context of President Ruto’s announcement of intentions to form a national unity government aimed at fostering harmony and national cohesion. Ruto’s recent reconciliation efforts with Azimio leader Raila Odinga and discussions about national dialogue further underline this commitment.
During these public appearances, both leaders have emphasized themes of peace and unity, highlighting the maturity of Kenya’s political landscape and the imperative of stability for the nation’s progress. Gachagua has also used these occasions to reaffirm his political allegiance and support for the president.
This renewed alliance is seen as a strategic move to bolster public confidence and present a united front amid recent challenges to the government’s authority. Observers anticipate more joint appearances by President Ruto and Gachagua in the coming weeks, signaling their dedication to leveraging unity as a catalyst for national strength and progress.
Currently, the two leaders are jointly hosting events to dispel doubts about their friendship, affirming their collaboration.
Following the Cabinet’s dissolution, Gachagua seems to have received some relief. The Deputy President has expressed support for the President’s decision to dismiss Cabinet Secretaries.
“Mr. President, we fully endorse your decision to dissolve the cabinet and reconstitute it with new Cabinet Secretaries who will assist in governing without arrogance or political agendas,” Gachagua stated in on Saturday.
Gachagua has previously clashed with certain Cabinet Secretaries, including Moses Kuria, particularly over issues related to equitable resource allocation.
According to analysts, there have been clear indications of a rift between the President and his deputy, particularly due to the latter’s comments about certain government officials.
Gachagua previously called for the dismissal of National Intelligence Service head Noordin Haji, alleging incompetence and accusing allies of Deputy President Ruto of undermining him.
In a sign of improved relations between Ruto and Gachagua, an activist who had filed a lawsuit over the Deputy President’s remarks about Haji withdrew the case. Justice John Chigiti accepted activist Fredrick Bikeri’s withdrawal notice on Monday.
The case had been scheduled for further directions and a ruling date.
Recently, Deputy President Ruto suggested that protests by Generation Z were a result of the government’s failure to address Kenyans’ concerns, highlighting apparent disagreements with his boss. Reports indicated he had been denied access to military helicopters.
However, over the past three days, while accompanying Ruto, Gachagua has been seen traveling in a military helicopter.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah informed the House of a new military policy restricting access to their helicopters due to cost concerns. He noted that many senior government officials, including Deputy President Ruto, were affected by the Ministry of Defence’s stricter measures.
Ichung’wah added that the Kenya Defence Forces had instructed senior government agencies to share in the costs of using military aircraft, although some declined. He stressed that any official seeking to use military aircraft must now do so through formal request.
