NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic return to the spotlight, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has brushed off the sting of his impeachment, telling listeners on Egesa FM that he holds no ill will toward the lawmakers who impeached him—insisting they were “paid to remove me.”
The ex-DP didn’t mince words during the candid interview. While acknowledging the political fallout, he was quick to redirect blame toward behind-the-scenes forces.
His ouster, he claimed, was less about his leadership style and more about his refusal to “play ball” on controversial state matters.
The Politics Behind the Power Play
According to Gachagua, his refusal to endorse contentious policies and actions—such as the killings of Gen-Z protestors, the Social Health Authority (SHA) debacle, and dealings involving the Adani Group—ultimately cost him his position.
“These MPs didn’t have a personal problem with me,” he insisted. “They were simply coerced.”
While the former deputy president didn’t point fingers at specific individuals, his statements seemed to suggest deep fractures within Kenya’s political elite.
In a surprising twist, Gachagua said he’s open to backing another candidate for the 2027 presidential race if he himself doesn’t secure the ticket. Among those he’d support? None other than former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
Gachagua praised Matiang’i’s credentials, citing his leadership in the ministries of Education, ICT, and Interior under former President Uhuru Kenyatta as proof of his ability to lead the nation.
“No one can win the presidency without a home base,” Gachagua said. “If you want to make noise nationally, start with unity at home.”
“You should come together, demand your rights, and negotiate for what matters to you,” he said, positioning himself as a reformist ready to partner with anyone committed to reshaping governance.
