Ruku slams Gachagua over election violence claims, urges use of legal channels

Ruku condemned the claims as 'politically motivated hate speech' aimed at damaging his reputation.

The rebuttal comes after Gachagua wrote a letter citing a video clip in which three people — Simon Njagi Njiru, Josiah Kariuki Ngari, and Susan Nyaga — allegedly threatened him and residents of Mbeere North Constituency. 

The alleged threats were made ahead of Gachagua's planned campaign tour of the area, which is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2025.

In his letter, the former Deputy President claimed that the individuals were close allies of the Cabinet Secretary and accused Ruku of trying to "impose a candidate" on local voters.

Ruku responded in a statement released Thursday, acknowledging knowing two of the named individuals but categorically denying any involvement in their alleged actions.

“For the record, Mr Josiah Kariuki Ngari and Ms Susan Nyaga are well known to me. However, I am not and cannot be personally responsible for their private activities or utterances,” the statement read.

The Cabinet Secretary accused Gachagua of acting in bad faith, claiming that if he was truly aggrieved, he should have filed a formal complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

“Mr Gachagua knows well that it is the DCI that is mandated by law to receive, record, and investigate complaints,” Ruku said. “The letter to the Inspector General of Police was motivated more by Mr Gachagua’s usual dramatisations than by his quest for criminal justice.”

He also blasted Mr Gachagua for his hatred mobilisation.

"It is on record that Gachagua intends to visit Mbeere North from 16th November, 2025, to close what he hatefully calls President Ruto’s kiosk…" he said.

"Therefore, Gachagua's dramatised and overrated visit to Mbeere North has nothing to do with the enjoyment of his rights to expression, campaign for a political party or cause and freedom of movement. His visit is only intended to further his hate speeches, advocacy of hatred and disrespect for the rights and reputations of President Dr William Ruto, Deputy President Prof. Kindiki, Governor Hon. Mbarire and I."

Ruku went further to share the DCI’s official contact details, encouraging members of the public to use proper legal channels to report criminal conduct.