Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he was approached by Kalenjin elders seeking reconciliation with President William Ruto, but he has set a hard condition accountability over Gen Z deaths during protests must come first.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed details of a recent behind-the-scenes attempt to reconcile him with William Ruto.
Speaking in Kajiado County, Gachagua said a group of Kalenjin elders visited him and urged him to forgive the President over their political fallout. According to him, the elders appealed to his Christian values, asking him to show compassion despite what they described as past humiliation and political differences.
Gachagua, however, made it clear that forgiveness would not come easily.
In a strong and emotional response, he claimed that before any talks of reconciliation, President Ruto must first take responsibility for young Kenyans who lost their lives during recent protests. Referring to the Gen Z victims, Gachagua stated that forgiveness would only be possible if justice is served going as far as saying the President would need to “bring them back” before any meaningful conversation can begin.
The remarks, delivered in a charged tone, suggest that the rift between the two leaders remains deep and unresolved. Political observers say the statement signals a hardening stance, especially amid growing national conversations around accountability, youth protests, and governance.
Gachagua’s comments are likely to stir fresh debate across the country, particularly among young people who have been at the center of recent demonstrations. The call for justice continues to dominate public discourse, with many Kenyans demanding answers over alleged police brutality and loss of lives.
As political tensions simmer, it remains to be seen whether any genuine reconciliation efforts will gain traction or if the divide between the former allies will only widen further.
