President William Ruto Skips Embu Event Over Gachagua Impeachment

President William Ruto abruptly cancelled his planned visit to Embu on Saturday, October 12, as mounting tensions over Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment continue to stir unrest in the Mt Kenya region.

The president was expected to lead the 34th diocesan anniversary celebrations at St Mark’s Teachers Training College, Kigari, but pulled out at the last minute. His decision came just hours before Gachagua confirmed that he would attend the event, marking his first public appearance since the contentious impeachment vote in the National Assembly.

While State House maintained that Ruto’s schedule clash was the official reason for the cancellation, the timing raises questions. The president had already postponed the visit once, in July, citing security concerns after Gen Z protestors threatened to occupy churches.

Now, amid the storm over Gachagua’s ousting, the last-minute decision appears to be an attempt to allow the political temperatures in the region to cool down. Ruto’s uncharacteristic silence since the impeachment debate began has been noticeable. The usually active head of state has avoided making public tours or addressing the issue, as the fallout deepens.