Ruto Declares Readiness to Invite Gachagua to State House

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 12 April 2026 - President William Ruto has firmly defended his decision to host members of the public, including religious groups, at State House, pushing back against criticism from his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, whom he said is also welcome at the house on the hill.

Speaking at State House on Sunday, Ruto made it clear that he would not be dictated to on who he invites to the official residence.

“You are speaking about food? The food is not yours… the one inviting is not you… I’m the boss here,” the President said.

He insisted that State House is open to all Kenyans and warned that criticism would not deter him from engaging different groups.

“You are all welcome to State House and if they continue complaining, I will still welcome them and see what they will do,” he added.

Ruto also dismissed claims that such gatherings are driven by personal gain, brushing them off as “stomach politics.”

“You did not even get enough food; I would have slaughtered more… speaking about stomach issues is nonsense,” he said.

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The remarks come after Gachagua criticised the State House meeting, accusing the President of using a section of religious groups for political ends.

“For those going to State House, please speak for your stomachs, not us… you join the long list of traitors,” Gachagua had said.

The back-and-forth highlights growing tensions between the two leaders, who have in recent weeks traded jabs at public events, including a funeral in Nyandarua.

Despite the criticism, Ruto signalled he would continue opening State House to different groups, framing the engagements as part of his outreach to Kenyans across the country.