Gachagua shares reason behind his weeks-long absence from public events
By Steve Ireri, November 1, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shared some of the key reasons and observations that guided his deliberate avoidance of political statements and public engagements for nearly two weeks.
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Speaking during the funeral of six family members who died in a vehicle accident in Muranga on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Gachagua explained that his period of silence had been a conscious decision to reflect and observe the unfolding political and social developments.
Gachagua noted that he had chosen to take time to observe events before speaking, citing a Kikuyu proverb which says that when someone decides to watch others sing, it does not mean they do not know how to sing themselves.
“And I do not want to comment on many reasons because, as you know, I have been silent for over two weeks. A Kikuyu proverb says that sometimes, even if you know how to sing, you at times just decide to watch, not because you do not know how to sing, but because you want to make an observation,” he said.
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Kikuyu community
Addressing the Kikuyu community, Gachagua urged vigilance and caution, warning of serious threats and the need to stand united against leaders whose actions could harm the people, particularly the youth.
He claimed to have concrete intelligence that President William Ruto was planning harmful actions against the Kikuyu community and stressed that the community must remain vigilant to ensure they are not caught off guard.
“But I have come to say that our Kikuyu community must beware and know that we are in big trouble. I want to emphasise that any leader who is harming our children will not be accepted here. I also want to tell you that President William Ruto is planning very bad things for our community. The things he is doing for us are very harmful,” he said.
Gachagua further explained the personal reasons that motivated his presence at the funeral, noting his ties to the region through his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, who hails from Muranga County.
Gachagua highlighted the importance of standing with grieving families, expressing sorrow and solidarity on behalf of the Kikuyu community.
He described the loss of six people at once as a profound tragedy and emphasised the responsibility of leaders to be present and supportive in times of grief.
“I have come with my wife. I actually got her from this region; she is from here. And so, my people, I have to come to mourn with these families who are crying today. I have come with a heart heavy with sorrow and grief on behalf of our Kikuyu community. Six people dying at once is a big tragedy,” Gachagua added.
The funeral came six days after the accident, which occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025, when a matatu carrying six members of the same family veered off the road and plunged into the Kiama River at Wacengu Bridge, Kariara Ward, Gatanga Constituency.
The victims were returning from a dowry ceremony in Nazareth, Kiambu County. Six other passengers survived the crash with injuries and were rushed to Kirwara Hospital and Murang’a Level 5 Hospital.