Gachagua tells Ukambani residents to collect money when Ruto tours region
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has implored Ukambani residents to prepare for handouts from the president during his upcoming tour of the region.
Speaking during an opposition rally in Kitui on Friday, May 30, 2025, the impeached deputy president reiterated the call he made to the people of Mt. Kenya during President William Ruto’s tour of the vote-rich region in April.
The president was scheduled to tour the region in mid-May 2025, but the event was rescheduled to facilitate broader consultations with regional leaders ahead of the visit.
In anticipation of the event, Gachagua urged the Ukambani populace to make the most of the occasion and milk the president dry.
“You have heard Kasongo is coming here for a tour. He is walking with money in sacks. Let me inform you: He came to the mountain, and I asked, Can we bury an elephant with its tusks? We decided to remove the tusks and bury the elephant,” he stated.
”So when he comes, when the village elders, MCA, and chiefs summon you for his meeting, because he is coming to lie to you, the price for listening to his lies is now a bit higher. Do not come out of your houses without a minimum of Ksh. 2000,” he told the gathering.
Gachagua additionally challenged them to demand additional charges for clapping and laughing at the functions.
“When you are there. Do not clap unless he adds another Ksh1,000. If he wants you to shout and laugh, he must add another Ksh500,” he chimed.
The politician further insists that the people should demand the money upfront and not give in to promises of being paid later.
“Do not be lied to that you will be paid later. They will switch off their phones. You must be paid and have your cash in your pockets before attending the meetings. Will you come out to claim the money?” he asked.
Gachagua’s remarks mirror his earlier sentiments when he asked the people of Mt. Kenya to charge exorbitantly for listening to Ruto.
Speaking in Naivasha on Saturday, March 29, 2025, he specifically told the residents not to accept anything less than Ksh3,000.
“Even now, he is preparing for a visit; is he coming to say the truth or lies? You already know, but we have said, do not worry about that”
“Money has been packed in sacks, so prepare yourselves to eat the money, but do not take it home or mix it with your money,” Gachagua warned.
And we have said, if it is listening to lies, then you must charge. So do not receive Ksh200 to listen to lies, you will be fools. Listening to lies is Ksh3,000 and above,” he affirmed.
