I now have enough time for friends – Gachagua

By Peter Ochieng

Former Deputy President, Geofrey Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about ‘life in the cold’ weeks after being impeached.

Speaking in Limuru, Kiambu County on Tuesday, Gachagua said he now has enough time to meet and talk to friends, unlike was the case during his time in office as the second in command.

“The good thing about us leaving the office is that now we have enough time for friends. You know everything that happens has a good and a bad side. We have a lot of time for friends. Friends are important, let me tell you. Friends are very very important, and there are not many genuine ones,” said Gachagua.

“On Sunday I spent a lot of time with the Bishops, reading the Bible and looking at various interpretations. And we shall be able to do that every time,” he added.

Gachagua's removal from office was officially confirmed on Friday last week, when Kithure Kindiki was sworn as his replacement.

He urged residents of Mt. Kenya region to remain calm, even as he comes up with the next strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Many people are calling me, ooh what is gonna happen. Don’t worry. Our community is very unique. They expected people to go to the streets, lighting bonfires, destroying vehicles, and shouting. No, that is not who we are. Us when we feel offended, we keep quiet. Say nothing. If you must express yourself, do it through song and dance,” he added.

He spoke during Lucy Wambui Ng'ang'a's funeral service. Lucy died after a cosmetic surgery went wrong.

According to Francis Ng’ang’a, Lucy’s husband, she fell ill after undergoing cosmetic surgery allegedly at Body by Design clinic, in Nairobi.

The ordeal began when the 45-year-old woman returned home feeling unwell, after undergoing the surgery.

The clinic reportedly assured the family that her symptoms were normal and part of the healing process, adding that she would recover in time.

Her condition however rapidly deteriorated, when she developed severe complications, including a perforated intestine.

“I asked them why my wife was excreting and smelling and they told me it was part of the healing process. When they noticed she was critically ill, they told her to go home, and they closed the clinic,” said Ng’ang’a.

The Ministry of Health intervened, shutting down the clinic. It has launched investigations into Lucy's untimely death.