Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has strongly criticized the recent public attacks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from his former allies. He argues that these disputes seem personal and threaten to undermine efforts to challenge President William Ruto.
In a comprehensive post on X on January 20, 2026, Kabando asserted that the grievances expressed by individuals such as former Nyeri Town MP Wambugu Ngunjiri and Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba appear to stem from personal emotions rather than genuine public interest.
“With respect to Wambugu Ngunjiri, Gathoni wa Muchomba, and others, their grievances against Gachagua reflect a personal and emotionally charged nature, lacking a public spirit. While they may raise some valid points, their extensive efforts to ‘expose’ Rigathi seem clouded and potentially driven by Ruto’s agenda,” he stated.
Acknowledging that the claims against Gachagua may hold some validity, Kabando expressed concern that the ongoing public revelations seem ambiguous and possibly influenced.
Kabando clarified that he does not defend Gachagua against these claims. Instead, he urged the former Deputy President to engage in self-reflection, rectify any mistakes, and be more discerning about those he includes in his inner circle. He cautioned that once trust is broken, it is challenging to restore.
He characterized Kenyan politics as predominantly transactional, asserting that few politicians can resist financial pressures. According to Kabando, President Ruto, whom he described as politically cornered, will employ every means available to weaken Gachagua and the opposition, including ODM.
“Or perhaps not. I am not here to defend Rigathi Gachagua against the allegations made by those ‘defectors.’ In fact, he should engage in soul-searching to mend where necessary. Crucially, he must now be wiser in choosing those he admits into his inner circles. The reality is that very few individuals can, or will, resist Ruto’s financial influence.”
Despite the surrounding controversy, Kabando emphasized that Gachagua remains a vital and effective ally in resisting what he termed Ruto’s excesses. He warned that the current political climate is too precarious to allow internal divisions to derail the broader struggle against corruption and poor governance.
Kabando directly addressed Ngunjiri and Muchomba, urging them to reconsider their escalating attacks on Gachagua. He referenced past personal interactions with both leaders to illustrate what he views as political inconsistency and sudden shifts in loyalty.
To contextualize the current fallout, Kabando reflected on historical political betrayals in Kenya. He cited the 2002 split between former President Mwai Kibaki and his close ally Njenga Karume, which sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Karume abandoned Kibaki at a critical juncture, despite co-founding the Democratic Party alongside him and John Keen.
Kabando recounted how activists issued a pointed press statement against Karume, which Kibaki sanctioned. This action angered Karume, who reportedly threatened to unveil Kibaki’s secrets. Despite their fallout, Karume later served as Defence Minister in 2005 following Kibaki’s presidential victory.
He also revisited the 1995 defection of Democratic Party Secretary General John Keen to former President Daniel Moi’s camp, describing the Kibaki-Keen split as a profound betrayal that was never reconciled. Kabando noted that Keen, who once hailed Kibaki as a decent, forward-thinking leader, also labeled him “a thankless man.”
