From allies to adversaries: Ruto and Gachagua’s viral mosque TBT clip emerges

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- An old video of President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua attending Islamic prayers at a mosque resurfaced on TikTok

- The clip, shared by Pwani Leo, dates back to their 2022 campaign trail, showing the duo in white Islamic attire among a large congregation

- The video went viral and sparked laughter among Kenyans, who found it particularly amusing given Ruto and Gachagua's now-bitter public fallout

A throwback video of President William Ruto and his then-running mate Rigathi Gachagua participating in Islamic prayers at a mosque has resurfaced on TikTok, sending Kenyans into fits of laughter, particularly given how dramatically the two men's relationship has since collapsed.

The clip, posted by coastal TikToker Pwani Leo, shows a large congregation of worshippers bowing and prostrating in unison on a red carpet during prayers.

Most attendees wear white kanzus and taqiyah caps. The camera sweeps between wide shots of the congregation and close-ups of notable figures, including a moment where Ruto and Gachagua stand side by side, participating in the religious proceedings.

The footage dates back to their 2022 presidential campaign, a period when both men were courting voters across the country, including Kenya's significant Muslim communities along the coast and in Nairobi.

Campaign trail memories that sting

What makes the video particularly compelling to Kenyans right now is its context.

Ruto and Gachagua, once a tightly-knit political pair who ran on the same hustler-nation ticket, have since become fierce adversaries.

Gachagua was impeached as Deputy President in October 2024, making him the first deputy president in Kenya's history to be removed from office through an impeachment vote.

Watching the two men standing shoulder to shoulder in a mosque, clearly united in a shared political mission, strikes many as both nostalgic and ironic.

Watch the mosque prayer video that has Kenyans in stitches:

Kenyans react with humour

The clip racked up thousands of reactions, with most commenters unable to hold back the laughter:

@Nyambura said:

"The more you watch it, the funnier it gets 😂😂😂😂😂😂."

@Sonnie said:

"Kucheka nimecheka saa saba ya usiku 🤣🤣🤣."

@Cold✨Tonnic💙 said:

"Mbona Gachagua hajawahi kutupea hii story venye kulihappen😅."

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@jose keen KESD said:

"😅😅 Gachagua is like hizi siasa siku moja zitakuja kuniua😅😅."

@Immanuel Can said:

"Gashagua be like, 'akanidanganya tukaenda kwa Waislamu, tunaomba vitu hata mimi sielewi."

@njoromarie390 said:

"🤣🤣🤣🤣 we néed gachagua to address this... nimecheka nasijui why."

@Gatuu 🦋 said:

"Is this not worshipping other gods, and yet they call themselves Christians? Anyway no one is perfect 😊."

@mushauri wa rais said:

"Kwani huyu Gachagua ni kabila gani?"

The overwhelming mood in the comments was one of amusement rather than outrage, with many Kenyans calling on Gachagua to personally explain his experience that day.

For now, the video stands as a vivid reminder of just how much things have changed between two men who once prayed together for the same political future.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.