Gachagua: How I was barred from attending Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale

Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed that attempts were made to obstruct his participation in the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Kwale Stadium in Kwale County on Sunday.

This revelation comes as he addressed the public for the first time since his hospitalisation at Karen Hospital on Thursday last week.

Gachagua alleged that the management of the Wilson Airport and all helicopters assigned to him were instructed not to facilitate his travel.

"I know there was a concerted effort that I should not go to Kwale for the celebration. Wilson Airport was told that I should not go through Wilson Airport. All owners of helicopters were told that I should not be allowed to use any of them to go to Kwale," he said.

He expressed concerns for his safety. "As I go home today, I have no security, and it's good that they know. If anything happens to me or my family, President William Ruto must be held to account."

Reflecting on his relationship with President Ruto, Gachagua noted that he was the only one who trusted Ruto when they were vying for the presidency.

"We've made many mistakes in life, and we keep on learning. I trusted President William Ruto. The people of the region where I come from, the Mt Kenya region, trusted him. In fact, as we were preparing to go to office, nobody else trusted him," he said.

He further emphasised his loyalty, explaining that other political figures, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, demanded formal agreements with Ruto, while he chose to trust him.

"I'm the only man who trusted him verbally. Because we are Christians. We used to go to church together, and as a Christian, I believed a fellow Christian would never betray me or my people," he said.

Despite the difficulties he has faced over the past year, Gachagua expressed his determination, stating, "For the last year, it's been very difficult for me, but I'm a very persevering man, very enduring."

On Sunday, Gachagua took to his X account to wish the country well as it marks its 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations.

The impeached DP who has skipped the event despite reports saying he would attend, also prayed for God’s blessings upon the country.

“Happy Mashujaa Day dear Kenyans. God Bless our Nation,” he said on X.