‘You Belong in Jail!’ In Escalating Feud – MP Sudi Criticizes Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing a new political storm after being publicly rebuked by President William Ruto’s ally, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who claims Gachagua “belongs in jail.”...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Sudi’s fiery statements were made on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Gachagua of hypocrisy and stirring tribal sentiments for personal gain. “Young people were killed in the streets and those jailed are a result of the money you poured to sponsor demos,” Sudi wrote.

He didn’t mince words, adding, “Save for the respect we have for your office, you belong in jail.”

Sudi’s outburst came just hours after Gachagua alleged that his allies were being targeted in a politically motivated harassment campaign. The Deputy President had accused unnamed forces within the government of plotting to charge two MPs close to him, James Gakuya of Embakasi North and Benjamin Gathiru of Embakasi Central, over their alleged involvement in violent demonstrations that rocked the country in June.

Gachagua claims that the charges are part of a wider plot aimed at discrediting him and setting the stage for his impeachment. “This evil scheme is to associate them with violent demonstrations, in a futile attempt to soil my name,” he stated on social media. According to Gachagua, the alleged harassment has been ongoing for the past two months, with his staff and supporters also facing pressure.

But Sudi’s accusations paint a very different picture. He accused Gachagua of hiding behind tribalism and pretending to fight for the Mt. Kenya region while advancing his own selfish political agenda. “Don’t hide your ill intentions by attempting to box Mt. Kenya people into a tribal cocoon,” Sudi declared, calling Gachagua’s actions “shameful.”

Sudi’s remarks are likely to fuel further discord within the ruling alliance, which has been grappling with internal divisions. The conflict between Gachagua and his critics could complicate matters for the government, particularly as Gachagua has consistently portrayed himself as a champion of the Mt. Kenya region’s interests.

The controversy surrounding the Deputy President intensified when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recommended charges against five individuals, including MPs Gakuya and Gathiru. The MPs are accused of being involved in planning and financing the protests that saw thousands of Kenyans take to the streets in June. The demonstrations, which were triggered by economic frustrations, turned violent in some areas, leading to multiple deaths and arrests.

Despite being summoned by the DCI in July, both MPs reportedly refused to submit their mobile phones for forensic analysis, raising suspicions about their involvement in the protests. Gachagua, however, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, framing the charges as part of a broader scheme to undermine his political standing.

In his defense, Gachagua expressed frustration at the use of the justice system to settle political scores, a tactic he claims he and President Ruto vowed to end when they came to power. “I am embarrassed that we are back to where we were,” he wrote. “Harassment of my office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to me has been going on for the last two months.”

The Deputy President’s accusations echo a familiar theme in Kenyan politics, where legal and judicial processes are often weaponised against political rivals. Gachagua himself has been embroiled in various legal battles since taking office, and the latest allegations only add to his growing list of political challenges.

He continued his defence by arguing that Kenyans are aware of the real issues facing the country and that his detractors are merely trying to distract the public. “They know what factors made the people of Kenya take to the streets. They surely know Rigathi Gachagua is not among them,” he stated…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>