Rigathi Gachagua reveals protocol drama at Raila Odinga's AUC bid launch, says Pastor Dorcas almost kicked out

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lifted the lid on the frustrations his wife, Pastor Dorcas, allegedly faced while Gachagua served in President William Ruto’s government. 

Speaking during a service at Kagio Holy Spirit Church in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua narrated an incident at a state function meant to endorse former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

According to the former DP, the Office of the First Lady had invited his wife to the event, but things quickly turned sour when protocol demanded that Pastor Dorcas leave after it emerged that First Lady Rachel Ruto wouldn’t be attending.

“Saa zile tumeketi mtu wa protocol akasema mama Rachael hakuji, ambia Dorcas aondoke. Nikasema hapana, this is too much. Aondoke kwa nini? Aty mama Rachael hayuko. Mbona mlimuita? Mmemfanyia hii mara mingi. Nmekataa haondoki mwambie rais haondoki,” said Gachagua, recalling the moment he refused to have his wife removed from the venue.

He claimed the situation escalated to a point where President Ruto personally stepped in to de-escalate.

“Sasa Riggy G si tutakubaliana. Hii kitu italeta picha mbaya. Sasa wewe uko na bibi na mimi sina… nikamwambia your wife confirmed that she should be here. Why is she not here? Akasema you know iko maneno kidogo kidogo ya nyumbani wacha tu ongea na pastor aende sisi tubaki na wewe hapa,” Gachagua continued.

Gachagua said he stood his ground, proposing that Pastor Dorcas would only leave if Raila Odinga’s wife left first.

To salvage the situation, Ruto allegedly changed the tone and instead asked Pastor Dorcas to pray for Raila's success in the AU bid.

Gachagua’s revelations have sparked mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing shock, amusement, and speculation over the state of affairs behind closed doors at the top level of government.

Fiona commented, “Lakini afadhali kukosana na Raila, Gachagua is too much.”

Hannington Kuyi added, “‘Maneno kidogokidogo ya nyumbani’ speaks volumes.”

Trendz.Ltd wrote, “Bwana ukiwa na adui kama huyu ata huwezi lala.”

JS quipped, “Sasa wewe uko na bibi na mimi sina.”

Another user joked, “Wamunyoro has a lot to tell us... the stories gonna be long and juicy.”

Kimutaa chimed in with laughter, “Kufika 2027 tutakuwa tumejua siri zote.”