NAIROBI, Kenya — Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive claims, accusing security agents of attempting to assassinate him twice, while also revealing a growing rift with President William Ruto.
Gachagua, now isolated after his security detail was withdrawn, says the attempts on his life occurred shortly before his impeachment.
The first incident allegedly took place on August 30 in Kisumu County, where Gachagua claims, “Security agents tried to poison my food.”
The second, he said, unfolded just days later on September 3 in Nyeri County. According to Gachagua, the same plot targeted him and members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, a significant cultural group in central Kenya.
“For the last one year, it has been very difficult for me,” Gachagua lamented, describing an increasingly tense relationship with Ruto that eventually led to his impeachment.
What started as a once formidable political alliance now appears to have devolved into a bitter power struggle.
The exact reasons behind their fallout remain shrouded in mystery.
“When I look at it, it is history repeating itself,” Gachagua said.
Drawing parallels with the late Kenneth Matiba, a revered Kikuyu leader who suffered a stroke following political persecution, he added, “President Ruto wanted to take me the same route President Moi took Matiba. He pushed Matiba up to getting a stroke and eventually dying.”
Observers say Gachagua’s emotional plea highlights the personal toll the political battle has taken.
“Leave me alone. Leave my children alone. Do whatever you want, but let me live,” he implored President Ruto.
“You can do whatever you want with the country, but allow me to live because I was there for you when nobody else trusted you.”
The embattled deputy’s statements painted a picture of betrayal and fear as his security detail has been entirely removed, both for himself and his homes.
Gachagua warned that if anything happens to him or his family, President Ruto should be held responsible.
“I did not know President Ruto could be this vicious. How cruel can a man be?” he said.
“We have made many mistakes in life, and we keep learning. I do not understand this level of viciousness towards a man who helped you.”
