Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga has opened up on the dramatic fall of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his troubles stemmed from arrogance, betrayal, and disregard for advice from allies and colleagues.
Speaking during an interview, Wamatinga said Gachagua’s fallout with President William Ruto was one of the costliest mistakes for the Mount Kenya region, adding that the former DP’s political downfall was “self-inflicted.”
“Rigathi’s fall was not caused by external enemies. It was his own doing restlessness, overambition, and pride. He forgot that you cannot talk while food is still in your mouth,” Wamatinga said.
The Senator revealed that Gachagua turned against leaders who had supported his rise to power, including those from Nyeri, describing him as authoritarian and intolerant of dissent. He claimed that some leaders were sidelined or ignored simply for expressing different views.
“At one point, it became impossible to even reach him on phone. I once waited outside his office for hours after he ignored my calls,” he recalled.
Wamatinga further accused the former DP of breaking promises made to his allies, including his own pledge to help clear over Ksh700 million owed to him for completed government works.
Despite their fallout, Wamatinga said he does not hold permanent grudges, noting that in politics, alliances shift quickly.
“You can never say never in politics. If Gachagua reforms and focuses on development over ego, we can still work together for the sake of our people,” he said.
The lawmaker praised President Ruto for ongoing development in Nyeri and the larger Mount Kenya region, citing the revival of stalled projects such as the Karemenu and Naromoru dams and rehabilitation of the Aguthi Water Project in Tetu.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Kenya Kwanza government, saying leaders should channel their energy towards improving people’s lives rather than political fights.
