Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has firmly rejected accusations that she exerts undue influence over her husband, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Her comments come days after Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah accused her of overshadowing Gachagua in public life.

Speaking during a gathering with members of the clergy in the United States, Pastor Dorcas brushed off the claims with a mix of candour and sharp wit.

“How can you sit on a man like this, who is causing the whole nation not to sleep?” she said to laughter and applause. “A man whom the President, Deputy President, and MPs can’t stop talking about?”

She went on to explain that Gachagua often lets her speak first at public events not out of weakness, but mutual respect.

“We are one unit. That’s why we move together. There’s nothing wrong with him allowing me to speak,” she said. “The idea that I ‘sit on him’ is not only wrong — it’s laughable.”

The allegations by Ichung’wah, made during a recent public event, have triggered national debate. While he did not offer direct evidence, Ichung’wah implied Gachagua’s political performance was being compromised by his wife’s influence — a claim critics have described as both personal and inappropriate.

Women leaders allied to Gachagua were quick to respond. Some held a press conference demanding Ichung’wah’s arrest for targeting Pastor Dorcas and other women in politics.

“We want the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to apply the same energy they use to pursue women in DCP to go after Kimani Ichung’wah,” one leader said.

Another ally, Njeri Kahiga, called the MP’s comments “reckless” and “dishonourable.” She lauded Pastor Dorcas as a respected national voice, known for her work in mental health, widows’ support, and programmes aimed at empowering boys and young men.

Pastor Dorcas remained undeterred. “No amount of public talk will stop me from loving, praying for, or supporting my husband,” she said.

As of Tuesday evening, Ichung’wah had not apologised or commented further on the matter. The political temperature, however, continues to rise — revealing a growing tension not just between factions of the ruling coalition, but in how women in leadership are viewed and discussed in Kenya’s political space.

Whether this latest episode marks a passing storm or a deeper rift remains to be seen. But for now, Pastor Dorcas is making it clear: she is standing by her husband — and speaking for herself.