I won't stop walking with Pastor Dorcas - Gachagua tells off critics

Former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua/FILE

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed criticism over his continued public appearances with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, saying the matter is personal and should not concern political leaders.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday in Kirinyaga, Gachagua told off Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who had questioned why he is frequently accompanied by his wife at public events.

“I am the one who married this wife of mine 35 years ago. What is the problem if I walk with her?” Gachagua said.

 “You used to plan for me how I would walk with my wife when I was the Deputy President. Now that you impeached me, what is the problem with me walking with her now? You keep off my personal matters.”

He said there was nothing wrong with being accompanied by his wife, especially during church events, noting that she is also a pastor.

“Why should you feel bad when I walk with her, even when I am coming to church, yet she is even a pastor," he added.

Gachagua said his commitment to family values remains firm.

“I have a strong respect for family values, and that is my pillar. Keep off my life. If I want to walk with Pastor Dorcas, I will do that. If I want to walk alone, I will also do that.”

He criticised those judging his decisions, saying personal relationships should not be dictated by political expectations.

“You walk the way you want. If you have four wives, decide how you will do it. Let every family relate the way they want,” Gachagua said.

He also suggested that some of the criticism stems from ill intentions.

He alleged that some people wanted to harm him.

“This wife of mine carries water and food for me. You know that my wife will not betray me,” he said.