Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified his connection with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, asserting that their relationship is not centered on political ambition, leadership positions, or the presidency. He emphasized that their bond is fundamentally familial, rather than driven by political agendas. Gachagua made these remarks during a church gathering in Kasarani on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Gachagua noted extensive attempts by President Ruto’s team to persuade Kalonzo Musyoka to join their faction, consistently pursuing and inviting him. Gachagua affirmed that his relative would not abandon the citizens of Kenya. He added that, following the failure of these efforts, there was an attempt to create a rift between him and Kalonzo Musyoka. Gachagua asserted to the public that his bond with Kalonzo is devoid of political or leadership ambitions, including the presidency; it is purely familial. He concluded with the proverb “Blood is thicker than water,” implying that family bonds are unbreakable.
He stressed that any future choices involving them would be determined by family consensus, highlighting the necessity of solidarity among leaders from the Ukambani region. Gachagua recounted previous disputes that had led to political and economic detriment for the region, calling for harmony. He reflected on years of division that had caused hardship for the Ukambani community, attributing losses to a failure to engage with relatives. He declared that the family is now unified and committed to making all future decisions collectively.
Familial Connections
In July 2025, at the funeral of Gachagua’s maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, in Nyeri, Kalonzo confirmed their familial link as cousins through common Meru heritage.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka spoke warmly of their relationship, noting its development both politically and personally. Kalonzo admitted he initially had limited acquaintance with Gachagua, perceiving him as a fearless and vocal defender of Ruto. He also noted his discovery of Mama Gladys’s Meru origins. Kalonzo confirmed their cousin status, citing his own familial connections in Meru and Gachagua’s Meru roots. He recalled a warm reception at Wamunyoro by Mama Gladys, which marked the beginning of his true understanding of Gachagua.
This shared familial connection, dubbed ‘Macuzo’, has served as the foundation for an expanding collaboration between the two politicians since its public acknowledgment in Machakos in June 2025.
In September 2025, Gachagua instructed President William Ruto to cease using intermediaries to communicate with Kalonzo. During a church service in Mutituni, Machakos County, Gachagua asserted that Ruto should address him directly regarding any family-related discussions. He stated that they are one family and it was time for the family to unite. He advised Ruto to refrain from interfering in family affairs, urging him to approach Gachagua directly if he wished to communicate with Kalonzo. Gachagua declared that following discussions with Kalonzo and leaders from the Akamba, Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu communities, he had been designated as the family’s current spokesperson. Therefore, he advised Ruto to contact him directly, without the use of intermediaries, if he sought to engage with Kalonzo.
