By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally come out to give an account of his whereabouts for the last few days.
The DP was missing in action for at least a week, a move that raised eyebrows amongst political analysts and Kenyans.
At some point, it was reported that Gachagua had unusually missed at least 11 public events he could on a normal day be expected to attend, including the visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
The second in command’s social media pages were also unusually silent unlike in the past when he would post photos of himself interacting with locals while taking a break at his rural home in Mathira.
But the DP finally re-emerged on Sunday to be met with speculations about his relationship with President William Ruto.
Speaking during a burial service of Mwalimu Julius Kano Ndumbi, Gachagua noted that he had taken a 7-day break for fasting and praying.
He further said it is only because of Ndumbi’s death that he had to cut short his break.
“I had taken seven days away for prayers and fasting, meditation and reflecting in the heart of Mount Kenya forest with no phone, no nothing, and nobody could disturb me because I had given clear instructions. I wanted to reflect and meditate about the state of our nation and the welfare of the pope of this region,” the DP said.
“It is only when Ndumbi died that Pastor Dorcas, knowing my relationship with the teacher sent word to me,” he added.
In an update on his X handle, the DP said the late teacher holds a special place in his life.
He notes that his death was painful to him.
“I am what I am today, because of Mwalimu Julius Kano Ndumbi. Mwalimu Ndumbi was a gifted teacher, a disciplinarian, who moulded, mentored and prepared us at Kianyaga Boys High School for the future,” Gachagua said.
“That is why laying him to rest was not only a painful moment for me but also a time of reflection,” he added.
There have been claims that all was not well between Gachagua and Ruto, even as leaders in the Mount Kenya region openly differ over 2027 politics.
The DP has however maintained that he remains focused on his role as the second in command.