Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua believes that President William Ruto wants him removed due to “his zeal and hard work.” He also feels his wife, Pastor Dorcas, is being targeted for her dedication to supporting the boy child. In what seemed like a strategic apology to the president, members of Parliament, and the judiciary, Gachagua appealed for fairness ahead of his appearance in Parliament to contest the impeachment motion against him.
Speaking after a church service at the National Prayer Center at his official residence in Karen, Gachagua emphasized that he never intended to offend or disappoint anyone. He also extended an apology on behalf of his wife, Dorcas, if her efforts to fight alcoholism and support young boys had upset anyone.
Quoting the saying “to err is human,” Gachagua acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable when carrying out national duties. “To my brother, President William Ruto, if in my zeal and commitment I have wronged you, I ask for your forgiveness. If my wife, Pastor Dorcas, in her work for the boy child, has wronged you in any way, please forgive her,” said Gachagua.
He continued by addressing MPs, asking for their forgiveness if any of his actions or statements had offended them in the course of his duties. “To our Members of Parliament, if through my utterances or actions I have upset or wronged you, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”
Gachagua also urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and united, especially during political challenges. Specifically, he called on the communities in Rift Valley to avoid letting politics divide them. “Kenya is bigger than all of us, and despite the ongoing issues, we must remain peaceful, united, and continue coexisting harmoniously.”
Expressing his faith in the judiciary, Gachagua emphasized that Kenya is founded on the rule of law and called on all institutions to uphold the Constitution and protect the will of the people. He stressed the importance of independent institutions maintaining impartiality and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
On the subject of his family’s properties, which have been under scrutiny, Gachagua clarified that some of the properties in question belonged to his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
He expressed pain over the public exposure of his brother’s will, which he had intended to remain private. Apologizing to his wife and children, he regretted that their privacy had been compromised as a result of his political battles, but added that being married to a politician made such situations unavoidable.
