Rigathi Gachagua has accused political leaders of interfering with his freedom of worship.
The former deputy president says he will seek PCEA intervention over alleged pressure on a minister who welcomed him to worship.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto and Kimani Ichung’wah of church intimidation. He alleged that they were pressuring clergy to prevent him from attending services.
Speaking at Kamangu Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Gachagua challenged Ruto over alleged interference with his worship. He said his removal from government should not extend to exclusion from religious institutions.
Gachagua also accused National Assembly Majority Leader Ichung’wah of driving pressure against church leaders who welcome him. He maintained that churches should operate independently of political rivalries.
Gachagua seeks intervention over alleged church intimidation
Gachagua claimed the presbytery had threatened Reverend Kawi, the church’s minister, because of his attendance at the service. He alleged that Ichung’wah was behind the pressure on the clergyman.
In response, he said he would write to the Moderator of the PCEA General Assembly seeking intervention. His request would ask that the parish minister face no harassment for welcoming him to worship.
He also cited a gathering at Kariobangi PCEA Church, alleging that people had been sent to disrupt it. Gachagua linked the incident to his broader accusations of political interference in church affairs.
Despite the alleged pressure, the former deputy president said he would continue attending church services. He added that God and citizens had sustained him since his departure from government.
Ichung’wah faces criticism over Mount Kenya politics
Meanwhile, Gachagua accused Ichung’wah, the Kikuyu MP, of helping Ruto undermine the Kikuyu community’s political leadership. He claimed the legislator played a central role in his removal from office.
He also accused the government of targeting community members through military and police dismissals. His allegations extended to the destruction of businesses in Gikomba and attacks on homes.
Gachagua criticised Ichung’wah for allegedly diminishing the community’s political strength, saying such remarks risked enabling political manipulation. He further alleged that Ruto was relying on the MP to weaken the community before the 2027 General Election.
However, Gachagua maintained that accusations of tribalism would not deter him from defending Mount Kenya’s dignity and interests. He urged Ruto and Ichung’wah to stop what he described as intimidation against churches and the community.
