NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed President William Ruto overrode diplomatic advice and recognized Kosovo as an independent state to protect a personal business deal—accusations that raise new questions about the president’s foreign policy motives.
In an interview with KTN, Gachagua said the decision, made against the counsel of senior foreign affairs officials, has strained Kenya’s relations with several global powers, including Serbia and Russia.
“A very senior officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to see me. They told me that internationally, it is unwise for the Kenyan government to acknowledge or recognise Kosovo,” Gachagua said.
He added that ministry staff were too afraid to confront the president directly, fearing retaliation, and instead sought his help.
When Gachagua brought up the matter with Ruto, he says the president lashed out.
“He was mad. He wanted to know who they were. I said, ‘I cannot tell you because you will fire them.’”
Ruto’s alleged response: “Go to hell. I am the president. I make decisions in this country, and if you don’t like it, you can quit this government.”
The former deputy president claims he later learned why the president had been so insistent.
“I came to realise later that President Ruto and the President of Kosovo have a business deal involving a hotel in Mombasa — the Dolphin Hotel. It is a joint venture,” Gachagua said.
He accused Ruto of putting personal gain ahead of Kenya’s diplomatic interests.
“Because of the president’s selfish commercial interests, we are now in trouble with Serbia and Russia. This is not right,” he said.
Gachagua also suggested this confrontation contributed to the souring of his relationship with the president. “He really hated me for raising that matter. He was very bitter.”
On March 26, 2025, Kenya became the first country in nearly five years to recognize Kosovo’s independence—a move welcomed by Pristina but condemned by Belgrade.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but is still not recognized by several major world powers, including Russia and China.
