NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dropped a political bombshell, alleging that President William Ruto offered him Sh2 billion to step down from his position.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Western Kenya radio stations at his Karen residence, Gachagua claimed his impeachment was orchestrated to silence him over his outspoken stance on national issues.
The Alleged Payoff and Impeachment Plot
According to Gachagua, Ruto personally urged him to resign in exchange for billions, security, and a smooth political comeback in the future.
But the former DP says he saw through the offer, questioning why the president was so keen on planning his future while pushing him out of office.
The President was telling me to resign so I could be given Ksh2 billion – Rigathi Gachagua
“The president told me to quit so that he could give me Sh2 billion to continue with my business and have security. But I asked myself, how can the president plan my future while forcing me to leave?” he stated.
Gachagua further alleged that his impeachment was bought and paid for, claiming that Members of Parliament received Sh500,000 each, while Senators were given Sh10 million to support his removal.
2027 Elections: Gachagua Stands His Ground
Despite political maneuvering, Gachagua dismissed reports that he was worried about being blocked from running in the 2027 general elections.
He asserted that while he has no immediate plans to vie, no one can take away his constitutional right to contest in the future.
“It’s not a must for me to run for any political seat in this country, but my right to do so cannot be withdrawn.
If I want to vie in the future, I will, but that’s not my priority right now,” he declared.
Government’s Silence on Abductions
Taking another jab at Ruto’s administration, Gachagua accused the government of failing to address rising cases of abductions.
He revealed that he had previously raised the issue while still in office, but despite multiple discussions with the Head of State, no meaningful action has been taken.
In a pointed remark, he accused Ruto of hypocrisy, questioning why the president was advocating for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while Kenyans continue to face extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances at home.
“Our young people have done nothing wrong. They’re just saying the country isn’t headed in the right direction and that the economy is struggling. That is their right,” he said.
