Sudi hits back at Gachagua for accusing Ruto of tribalism in govt appointments
By Paulette Mboga, September 22, 2025Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has fired back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he accused President William Ruto of promoting tribalism through government appointments.
Speaking in response to Gachagua’s remarks in Ukambani, Sudi dismissed the criticism as baseless and accused the DP of politicising sensitive issues for personal gain.
He defended the government’s record in offering opportunities to different communities, insisting that appointments are not driven by tribal considerations.
“Ule mwendawazimu tulifukuza ule alikua naibu wa rais yetu. Nimeona huko Ukambani anongea matope. Anasema eti KETRACO imetolewa, na Mkamba ameweka Mkanjelin. Mimi nataka kumwambia nyamaza, kwa sababu leo tunatoa list katika nchi ya Kenya, kuna watu hawawezi ongea. Usiharibie ndugu zako makazi wako nazo,” Sudi said, addressing the media on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The legislator further warned Gachagua against divisive politics, pointing out that various communities had secured positions in government under President Ruto’s administration.
“Juzi kwa hiiserikali ya William Ruto ndio amejua mturukana ako pale, mrendile ako pale, wamepata makazi. Usifanye hii siasa. Na nilikuambia wewe funga mdomo, ukajifanya mjuaji unapiga nduru. Na utapiga nduru 2022, 2042, huwezi ongoza nchi hii, so wewe Riggy G funga mdomo,” he added.
As Gachagua accuses Ruto of promoting tribalism through government appointments, a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders has hit back, telling him off over tribal politics.
Gachagua’s remarks
Sudi’s remarks come in the wake of escalating tension between the president and the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Party leader, with Gachagua openly challenging Ruto’s leadership style.
Gachagua recently claimed that the dismissal of former Ketraco CEO John Mativo, who hails from Ukambani, was disrespectful to the community.
Gachagua accused the president of showing contempt by sacking a respected leader from the region and replacing him with an individual from his own community. He argued that such moves reflect tribal bias and weaken national unity.
Apart from saying that Ruto was promoting tribalism, the former deputy president also accused him of betrayal and undermining democracy.
“It is very disrespectful for the President to sack a competent leader from Ukambani and replace him with his tribesmen. Such actions show outright disrespect and disdain for the community,” Gachagua stated.
The latest exchange adds to the widening rift between the two leaders, who were once close allies during the 2022 general election campaigns.
With both leaders standing their ground, the differences are expected to go on for some time.