Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed details of a recent meeting with Kalenjin elders, who reportedly appealed to him to forgive William Ruto following their political fallout.
Speaking in Kajiado County, Gachagua said the elders visited him and urged him to show compassion despite what they described as past mistreatment. According to him, the elders acknowledged that he had been wronged and appealed to his Christian values, asking him to consider reconciliation for the sake of unity.
He recounted that the elders pleaded with him to forgive the President, saying he had been hurt and humiliated, alongside his community. The former deputy president stated that the appeal was emotional, with the elders asking him to rise above the conflict and demonstrate a forgiving spirit.
However, Gachagua said he set a firm and controversial condition before any reconciliation could be considered. He stated that President Ruto would need to account for young people he claimed were killed during recent Gen Z protests. According to Gachagua, he told the elders that forgiveness would only be possible if those who lost their lives were brought back, a statement widely interpreted as symbolic of his deep grievances.
The remarks suggest a hardline stance, with the former deputy president appearing to signal that reconciliation may not be achievable under current circumstances. His comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing political tensions between the two leaders, whose relationship has significantly deteriorated in recent months.
The statement has sparked mixed reactions in political circles, with some viewing it as an expression of unresolved anger and others interpreting it as a broader call for accountability over protest-related deaths. Analysts note that such strong rhetoric could further deepen divisions within the political landscape, particularly among supporters aligned with either side.
The development comes amid continued national debate over the handling of protests and the treatment of demonstrators, especially young people who have been at the forefront of recent unrest.
While there has been no immediate response from President Ruto or his allies, the remarks by Gachagua are likely to fuel further political discourse as the country navigates a period of heightened tension and shifting alliances.