Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly refuted claims made in a viral video suggesting he publicly attacked Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ruku, dismissing the allegations as “desperate, mischievous, and utterly malicious.”
Clarifying the context of his remarks, the DP stated that his criticism was not aimed at CS Ruku but at former leaders who, during their time in office, undermined government initiatives, violating the principle of collective responsibility. He emphasized that his statement was directed at a former Cabinet Secretary from the same region, not the newly appointed CS.
Gachagua reiterated that government officials must support government policies and use their roles to push for service delivery, rather than publicly criticising the administration they represent. “Undermining a government you are part of is illegal and anti-people,” he said.
The remarks in question were made during a consultative meeting in Siakago, Embu County, where Ruku had reportedly requested the government to prioritize a road project. In response, Gachagua reminded him of his new role, saying that as a minister, he now holds the power to influence such decisions and should act accordingly.
“You are no longer an MP; you are a Cabinet Secretary. You cannot stand here and complain about the government—you are the government,” Gachagua asserted, noting that Cabinet is the highest decision-making organ, chaired by the President.
Despite the stern message, the DP affirmed that he holds no personal grudge against CS Ruku and that his statements were meant to stress the weight of responsibility that comes with high-level government appointments.
