Video: MP Kururia says he translates Gachagua for Ruto, distorts speeches

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia publicly admitted that he translates Rigathi Gachagua's speeches for President William Ruto

- The MP confessed that he deliberately adds exaggerations to make Gachagua's statements sound more inflammatory

- Kururia's admission drew sharp criticism from Kenyans who questioned his suitability as a legislator

Gatundu North Member of Parliament Elijah Kururia has admitted that he serves as an interpreter of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's statements to President William Ruto, and that he deliberately distorts those statements to paint Gachagua in a worse light.

Speaking in what appeared to be a candid moment, Kururia disclosed that whenever Gachagua makes remarks on a Sunday, he telephones Ruto the following day to relay what was said, but not before inflating the content.

"Mimi ndio nachocheanga, Gachagua akitusiana Sunday, Monday napigia Ruto simu kumwambia Na kuongezea chumvi," he said.

Gachagua's speeches under scrutiny

The admission carries particular weight given the political context surrounding Gachagua, who has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the Ruto administration since his impeachment.

Gachagua frequently addresses Mt. Kenya audiences in local dialect, which has previously generated controversy.

In several past instances, leaders have claimed their words were mistranslated or stripped of context after transcribed versions of their speeches drew scrutiny from authorities and sparked public debate.

Kururia's confession suggested that the problem of misrepresentation may be more deliberate and systematic than previously acknowledged, with the MP openly framing it as a lighthearted boast rather than a matter of concern.

Kenyans react to Kururia's confession

The remarks drew widespread condemnation on social media, with many users questioning Kururia's fitness for public office and the integrity of those close to the President.

@overcomethebad wrote: "Let Ruto know the people around him well, the people who have made him be hated so much by Kenyans from every corner."

@Victor_Chagusia noted: "And he is confessing it jokingly."

@wangu_kate added: "I wonder how some people got into power."

@Brianmu16662149 said: "He thinks he's Solomon, but he'll endure to be the worst."

@Khalidkagwe observed: "I have to give Ruto his flow for exposing every single mediocre politician we have, like any politician who was ever and is his ally is just a plain idiot."

The remarks raise fresh questions about the reliability of information reaching the president regarding the activities and statements of his political opponents, and whether those tasked with providing such briefings are doing so in good faith.

Was Peter Kaluma misquoted?

Meanwhile, Kururia's confession came days after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma claimed his alleged inflammatory remarks ahead of the Linda Mwananchi Homa Bay rally were taken out of context.

Kaluma was quoted as instructing a group of youths to deal with anyone chanting wantam during the rally.

Summoned by NCIC, he argued his speeches were mis‑transcribed and urged the commission to seek accurate versions before reverting.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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