Nairobi: Senator Wahome Wamatinga believes former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would still be in office had he valued counsel from other leaders and remained loyal to President Dr. William Ruto. In a candid interview on Kameme TV, Eng. Wamatinga said the beginning of Rigathi’s fall was his contempt for those who had backed him in his rise to power.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wamatinga describes the fallout between Rigathi and Dr. Ruto as a costly gamble for the Mount Kenya region, yet he noted that the former DP could reinvent himself and rekindle his political fortunes. He stated that Rigathi’s impeachment by Parliament was self-inflicted. The duo had fought hard during the campaign before coming to power in 2022. Wamatinga emphasized that Rigathi could have pushed for regional development by remaining loyal, patient, and focused, but his restlessness and overambition led to his downfall.
Wamatinga also shared his personal grievances, claiming Rigathi subjected him to challenges once sworn into office. At the time, the Government owed Wamatinga over Sh700 million for unpaid work, a sum promised to be settled after the new administration’s establishment. Facing financial distress, Wamatinga was threatened by lenders regarding his Sh300 million home loan. He revealed Rigathi promised to ensure his bills were paid but later advised his assistant to block the payment, a promise unfulfilled to date.
The lawmaker accused Rigathi of being authoritarian and intolerant towards dissenting leaders. He asserted that many who disagreed with Rigathi were sidelined, highlighting the former DP’s unwillingness to accommodate differing opinions or seek counsel on matters affecting the Mount Kenya region.
Wamatinga expressed that despite Rigathi’s exit, President Ruto has continued to implement development projects in Nyeri and the larger Mount Kenya region since the Kenya Kwanza government took over in 2022. Projects like the Karemenu and Naromoru Irrigation Water Projects in Kieni East, valued at Sh13 billion, have resumed, aiming to boost irrigation for 5,200 hectares of land.
He praised President Ruto for ongoing projects, including the Aguthi Water Project rehabilitation in Tetu, with costs of Sh648 million to replace aging water pipes. Wamatinga emphasized that leaders should focus on such development initiatives.
However, Wamatinga did not rule out future collaboration with Rigathi, stating that politics lacks permanent friends or enemies. He suggested that for a working relationship to be possible, Rigathi must show commitment to the welfare of the people and be open to critics’ opinions. He noted, “Nothing is impossible in politics,” citing past critics now serving in the government.