SAGANA, Kenya – President William Ruto has revealed details of his fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of blackmail and political sabotage.
Speaking during an interview with Mt Kenya-based TV stations on Monday night, Ruto claimed Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion to “prepare Mt Kenya” for his re-election, warning that failure to comply would see him become a one-term president.
“I sat down with Gachagua and told him, my friend, stop these fights. He then told me he would make me a one-term president unless I gave him Sh10 billion,” Ruto alleged.
Gachagua’s Removal Was a Mt Kenya Decision
The President dismissed claims that he orchestrated Gachagua’s impeachment, stating that the process was driven by leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
“Those who removed him followed the law. I never signed anywhere for his removal,” Ruto said, adding that Mt Kenya MPs had rejected Gachagua from the outset when he was being considered as a running mate in 2022.
He revealed that during a meeting at his Karen residence, Mt Kenya MPs overwhelmingly voted for Kithure Kindiki, who garnered 27 votes, while Gachagua only received five.
“Despite this, I overruled them and picked Gachagua because I wanted to reassure Mt Kenya that I was not sidelining older leaders,” Ruto explained.
Why Gachagua Fell Out with Ruto
According to the President, Gachagua’s downfall stemmed from three key issues:
- Threatening Mt Kenya MPs – Ruto claimed the ex-DP attempted to intimidate MPs and dictate political loyalty.
- Failing to Defend Government Projects – Ruto said Gachagua never articulated the government’s agenda in public. “When I was deputy president, I went on TV interviews more than Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua never defended our projects,” he said.
- Political Fights – The President said Gachagua repeatedly clashed with close Ruto allies, including Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet, Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung’wah.
Ruto insisted that as Deputy President, Gachagua had full access to government operations but failed to take responsibility for development programs.
“There is nothing that was passed in government without going through him, as he chaired the development committee. So, how can he say he was sidelined?” Ruto posed.
