Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s tough stance, including banging the table during meetings with President William Ruto, played a part in his impeachment.
She made the remarks while speaking in Kikuyu to constituents in Kiambu County, stirring fresh debate on the 2024 removal of Gachagua from office.
Wamuchomba spoke at a local event recently. In her address, she described Gachagua as someone hard to talk to when angry. She said he once threw a phone and banged the table in front of Ruto. According to her, this behavior made relations sour. Ruto found it tough to deal with such a direct approach.
These comments come amid a growing rift between Wamuchomba and Gachagua. The MP, once a strong defender of the former DP during his Senate trial, has shifted sides. She now backs the government and criticizes Gachagua often. Videos of her crying after the impeachment vote circulated again lately, but she explained it as emotion in the moment.
Gachagua’s impeachment happened in October 2024. The National Assembly and Senate upheld charges like gross misconduct, corruption, and promoting ethnic division. No official record mentions table banging as a reason. Claims of a heated meeting surfaced back then, but Gachagua denied demanding money or losing temper.
In Kiambu, politics stay heated. Wamuchomba represents Githunguri, a key area in Mt Kenya. She has accused Gachagua of intimidation and said she won’t join his Democracy for the Citizens Party. Other MPs from the region, like George Koimburi from Juja, have also distanced themselves.
Others call it an attack on Gachagua, who still draws crowds in central Kenya. Social media posts show Kikuyu speakers sharing clips of her speech. Comments range from support for her boldness to defense of Gachagua.
Wamuchomba has spoken out on other issues too. She claimed Gachagua got large sums for trips and spent on personal items, not sharing with allies. She also criticized his focus on regional schools and said leaders should unite the country.
Gachagua keeps active with his party. He tours areas and responds to critics. No direct reply yet to this latest claim, but he has dismissed similar accusations before.
This story fits the bigger picture in Mt Kenya ahead of 2027. Alliances shift often. Leaders like Wamuchomba position themselves with the government. Gachagua pushes his opposition line.
In Kiambu County, residents follow these figures closely. Wamuchomba works on local projects like roads and water. Her stand against Gachagua might affect voter views.
Similar stories of private meetings leaking happen in Kenyan politics. They add to public mistrust sometimes. Official reasons for impeachment remain the court-upheld charges.
Wamuchomba spoke plainly in Kikuyu, connecting with her audience. She painted Gachagua as someone who stood firm but paid a price. For now, the claim adds fuel to the ongoing back-and-forth. More statements likely as elections near. Kiambu stays a hotspot for such debates.
