NAIROBI, Kenya — Politics in Kenya’s leadership ranks has taken a personal turn as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly refutes claims from President William Ruto and accuses him of interfering in family matters instead of focusing on national issues.
Gachagua’s comments come amid an emerging dispute over the estate of his late brother James Nderitu Gachagua, the first Governor of Nyeri County.
The disagreement escalated after President Ruto reportedly weighed in on the succession dispute over the late governor’s will and estate.
Relatives of the late Nderitu Gachagua had petitioned the President to intervene, alleging that the will might have been forged and that some assets had been transferred irregularly.
In response, Gachagua has openly pushed back, asserting that the estate was legally distributed according to the will and criticising President Ruto for involving himself in a family matter that does not concern him.
“He is not a member of our family and that is not his work. His work is to look after Kenya, not his family,” Gachagua said, arguing that the window for legal challenges to the will has long passed.
Gachagua’s remarks reflect broader political tensions between him and Ruto following his impeachment as deputy president in 2024.
The DCP leader, who served as Kenya’s second deputy president from 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024, has since positioned himself as a critic of the current administration, focusing on national issues such as education and maternal health while accusing Ruto of being distracted by internal disputes.
