LONDON, United Kingdom — EX-DP Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto once told him he intended to become wealthier than the Kenyatta and Moi families combined.
Speaking during a political tour in the United Kingdom, the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader alleged that the President made the remarks when the two leaders were still politically aligned.
According to Gachagua, President Ruto allegedly expressed his ambitions to surpass the wealth associated with the families of Kenya’s first and second presidents — Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi.
“The president came to look for wealth and in the process he has destroyed the country,” Gachagua claimed during an interview with Kenya Newsline.
“He told me that in five years he wanted to be richer than the family of Kenyatta and Moi combined.”
Claims of Wealth and Governance Failures
Gachagua further alleged that President Ruto had achieved the goal within four years, claiming public resources had suffered in the process.
“Today, it is true that he is richer than both families, but in the process, he has destroyed everything,” he claimed.
The former Deputy President did not provide evidence to support the allegations.The
State House had not immediately responded to the claims by the time of publication.
The remarks add to the escalating fallout between Ruto and Gachagua following their political split after the 2022 General Election victory.
Opposition Criticism Intensifies
Gachagua, who now positions himself among leaders seeking to challenge Ruto in the 2027 General Election, accused political leaders of pursuing public office for personal enrichment instead of public service.
“Leadership is a calling and not a ladder to wealth. It is not a formula for richness, it is about service,” he said.
The former Deputy President argued that leaders driven by personal financial interests often fail to deliver on their mandates.
He also claimed the next administration would face a difficult task rebuilding the country’s economy and institutions.
“Even as we are looking for leadership we will have a difficult time because we will have to start from scratch to restore Kenya,” he stated.
Growing Political Opposition
Gachagua has recently intensified criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration while aligning himself with a widening opposition movement.
Other opposition figures who have criticised President Ruto’s administration include Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The opposition leaders have accused the government of economic mismanagement, corruption, and failing to address the rising cost of living.
President Ruto and his allies, however, have defended the administration’s policies, insisting that ongoing reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and support long-term development.
