Ngaruiya Junior: Why I parted ways with Gachagua’s camp

Gospel musician and aspiring politician Ngaruiya Junior has broken his silence regarding his fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ngaruiya has cited concerns over internal strategies and personal attacks that he says diverged from the ideals of development-focused politics.

In a detailed press statement released to the media, Ngaruiya responded to remarks attributed to Gachagua, who allegedly dismissed his political ambitions on the basis of his educational background.

The musician expressed disappointment over what he described as dismissive and unnecessary public commentary.

“It is disheartening for a leader of such stature to engage in personal remarks against someone attempting to chart a new path in public service,” Ngaruiya, who has declared his interest in contesting the Subukia parliamentary seat said.

Ngaruiya stated that he was once a close ally of Gachagua and had even supported him during difficult political moments, including after his impeachment.

He said a group of supporters had been mobilised to rally behind the former deputy president, but later began to question the authenticity and direction of that support.

“I stood with him during and after his impeachment, only to later realise that there were broader intentions that did not align with what we were told,” Ngaruiya claimed.

He further alleged that other political figures had also found themselves in similar positions, suggesting that their support was sought for personal political objectives rather than collective development.

According to Ngaruiya, there is growing discomfort among some leaders with what he termed as a divisive approach to regional politics.

He claimed that several politicians are quietly distancing themselves from the former deputy president’s political network.

Ngaruiya also referenced the case of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, alleging that despite their previous association, Waititu has not received support during his legal challenges—an example, he said, of shifting political loyalty.

“Despite many of us working tirelessly to promote and defend him, especially in the Mt Kenya region, there has been a shift in how leadership and relationships are now being managed,” he said.

He further alleged that Gachagua has not supported existing Mt Kenya-based political parties, opting instead to pursue personal influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In a closed-door meeting during preparations for DCP’s unveiling, it was suggested that there were plans to counter other Mt Kenya political parties to establish singular influence over the region’s political direction,” Ngaruiya alleged.

He also claimed that some leaders were recruited into the DCP as part of this broader political realignment—moves that have allegedly unsettled other leaders and triggered realignments.

Ngaruiya said his close proximity to the former deputy president’s inner circle has given him insight into several internal plans.

Ngaruiya also expressed concern over recent remarks by Gachagua that he interpreted as targeting artists, including himself.

He took issue with statements made during a church event, suggesting that musicians performing in certain venues should be banned unless they apologise.

“Music is our profession. Not every artist is interested in politics. It is unfair to single us out for criticism based on our engagements,” he said.

He explained that musicians met with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki simply because he was open to listening to their concerns, and not out of political defiance.

“Meeting the current Deputy President Kindiki was simply a matter of seeking an audience. It should not be framed as betrayal or wrongdoing,” he added.

Other musicians have since come to Ngaruiya’s defense.

Artists including Ben Githae and Muigai wa Njoroge called on political leaders to respect entertainers and avoid divisive politics.

“We call on leaders to allow us to thrive in our profession and to focus on what really matters—issues like infrastructure, electricity, youth employment, and decent housing,” said Githae. “These are the priorities our people need, and we will continue to advocate for them through our music.”