NAIROBI, Kenya — A public fallout between Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto has escalated, with the former deputy president dismissing claims that he extorted businesspeople during the government’s crackdown on illicit alcohol.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Gachagua defended his record, saying the fight against drugs and substance abuse was “70 per cent won” during his tenure, crediting the campaign with significantly reducing access to illicit brews.
“Our young men stopped taking illicit alcohol as it was not available,” he said, accusing the president of undermining the initiative.
Gachagua alleged that the crackdown was frustrated through the involvement of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, whom he claimed were used to derail enforcement efforts.
“You were angry that an entire generation had been saved. You used Mr Kindiki and Raymond Omollo to frustrate the success,” he stated.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader further alleged that individuals linked to drug trafficking had been appointed to government positions, claiming Kenya had since become a transit and destination hub for narcotics. He did not provide evidence to support the claims.
Gachagua said he had previously raised concerns directly with the president, including during a church service in Nyandarua County in July 2024, where he publicly criticised the administration’s handling of the crackdown.
The remarks come in response to accusations by President Ruto, who on Sunday claimed his former deputy had failed in key assignments and engaged in extortion.
Speaking in Homa Bay County, the president alleged that Gachagua exploited farmers and business operators under the guise of reforms.
“I gave him a chance to help me with coffee matters, but he joined the coffee cartels and asked farmers to pay him three shillings per kilo,” Ruto said.
“He said he was fighting illicit alcohol, but he ended up becoming an extortionist,” he added, dismissing Gachagua’s leadership credentials.
