Gachagua meets old friend he's kept touch with for 18 years

They say true friends are great riches and never leave a friend behind, and it appears Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lived by this mantra for close to two decades regarding one of his old buddies.

On Sunday, the DP posted pictures with Maina Muchangi, an old friend he said he met 18 years ago and has kept the friendship to date, change of status not withstanding.

The DP hosted Muchangi for breakfast at his home in Mathira, Nyeri County in what he said was in keeping with a promise he made to him when they first met.

"A leader's word must have value. The value is in keeping a promise made. Early today, I hosted Maina Muchangi, my friend of close to two decades, for breakfast at home in Mathira, Nyeri County," the DP said. 

"We met 18 years ago; we agreed that whenever we meet, I must take care of him-by giving him something. And since then, I have kept my promise. This morning was one of those moments-a promise kept, and a happy Maina," he added.

The DP pointed out that it's gratifying for taking care of the vulnerable in society.

"It is our responsibility to ensure their comfort. It was also time to catch up with my other neighbours at the village.

Gachagua appeared to be reading from the same script as his predecessor and his current boss President William Ruto who in August 2020 also introduced to Kenyans his childhood friend he referred to as Climenti (Clement).

Clement was a boda boda operator then, but despite Ruto having risen to become the country's second in command, their friendship survived over decades.

"Hii Kilimendi unajua mheshimiwa Rais, mtu anaitwa Clement, huku anaitwa Kilimendi," Ruto said when revealing his humble beginnings with Clement Kipkoech Kosgey.

That day on August 12, 2020 Ruto and then former President Uhuru Kenyatta had toured Uasin Gishu County on a development tour.