Margaret Karungaru, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s sister-in-law, joined President William Ruto’s convoy on the first day of his tour of the Mt. Kenya region. Margaret Karungaru, Rigathi Gachagua’s sister-in-law, joined President William Ruto on the first day of his Mt. Kenya tour. Karungaru is the widow of Nderitu Gachagua, the late brother of former deputy president and a former Nyeri governor. Did Kithure Kindiki introduce Margaret Karungaru While speaking in Nyeri county on Tuesday, April 1, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledged Karungaru’s presence.
Kindiki added that President William Ruto had appointed her as a commissioner at the National Gender and Equality Commission. “Dr. Margaret Karungaru, the widow of former Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua, has been appointed by Ruto as a commissioner at the National Gender and Equality Commission, which addresses women’s issues,” Kindiki said. Karungaru was appointed by Ruto to the position in April 2023 and was sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also serves as president of the Supreme Court of Kenya. “His Excellency the President, in exercise of the powers conferred on him has nominated Dr. Margaret Karungaru for appointment as a member of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC),” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted as he read Ruto’s message to the House.
Did Gachagua ask William Ruto for KSh 10 billion? This came a day after Ruto publicly addressed the source of his rift with his former deputy, Gachagua. William Ruto during an interview at Sagana state lodge. The head of state claimed that Gachagua demanded about KSh 10 billion from him to help drum up support in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region. In an interview with vernacular media outlets ahead of his weeklong tour to the region, Ruto claimed that Gachagua said that if he didn’t provide the money, he would make him a one-term president.
The head of state said he was surprised by Gachagua’s demands but refused to succumb to the pressure. Ruto made it clear that he rejected Gachagua’s demands, placing his trust in the people of Mt. Kenya and the entire country. Ruto further revealed that before Gachagua’s KSh 10 billion request, their bad blood began with a series of public and private disputes after the 2022 General Election. He recounted how he resolved one issue after another as conflicts arose between Gachagua, his close allies, and key figures in his administration. The president also criticised Gachagua’s alleged role in these tensions, especially his conflicts with key political figures and MPs.
by Faith Chandianya
