Maanzo: Gachagua remains unsung hero of Ruto’s presidential win
By Steve Ireri, July 17, 2025Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has underscored the decisive role former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua played in William Ruto’s rise to the presidency, portraying him as the unsung architect of the 2022 General Election victory whose contribution remains largely unacknowledged.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Maanzo emphasised that Gachagua demonstrated unwavering political loyalty at a critical juncture, committing immense effort and strategic focus to ensure Ruto’s success.
He asserted that individuals criticising Gachagua today ought to recognise the pivotal influence he wielded during the campaign period.
“Gachagua made a serious effort to campaign for William Ruto, an effort which has not been appreciated. The haters of Gachagua should know they have some work to appreciate. All the wins Ruto had are associated with him, and people associated with Ruto do not want to accept that,” Maanzo remarked.
He pointed out that Gachagua’s decision to forgo establishing his own political party at the time provided Ruto with a broad and stable support base.
“There was nobody who was Kenyan as Gachagua then. He said he would not have a political party of his own back then, and that gave Ruto a wide berth for support,” Maanzo explained.
Maanzo also maintained that one reality those close to the president often avoid acknowledging is that Ruto’s presidency might not have materialised without Gachagua’s involvement.
He described this truth as uncomfortable for some within the ruling coalition, who now seek to minimise the former deputy’s significance.
“One truth that many may not want to admit is that, if it were not for Rigathi Gachagua, William Ruto might not be the President of Kenya today. This is one of the truths that those close to the president often avoid acknowledging: Gachagua played a significant role in getting William Ruto elected—an effort that has yet to be appreciated,” Maanzo declared.
NCIC
In the same interview, Maanzo defended the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), emphasising its crucial role in maintaining peace and addressing ethnic tensions across the country.
Maanzo highlighted the NCIC’s collaboration with key security agencies and its behind-the-scenes efforts in promoting national cohesion.
“They also work with the Department of Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Inspector General also works with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, so you cannot say that they are not properly supported by those institutions,” he said.
However, the senator acknowledged operational limitations, citing financial constraints.
“Their budgets have been cut, the movement is limited, and whether it’s supposed to travel around the country and deal with the situations where there is tension, they are unable to do that,” Maanzo stated, pointing to challenges in accessing trouble-prone regions like northern Kenya.
He further stressed the need for the NCIC to operate independently and without political influence.
“They must follow their acts, if I do not like a politician, I want to pressurise the police on that politician, even when he makes fair comments,” he warned.
Addressing the commission’s role in resolving community conflicts, Maanzo commended its effectiveness.
“They are permanently busy. They are so active in putting communities together. They were the ones who were responsible for sorting out that problem, which was brewing between the Maasai community and the neighbouring communities, cattle theft, killings, and land issues.”