NAIROBI, Kenya – Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion to step down amid their fallout.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament, Nyutu, a close ally of Gachagua, accused the president of making false statements during his Monday night televised address.
He questioned the inconsistencies in the allegations, pointing out that previous claims had cited a different amount.
“At one point, there were claims by Itumbi that Gachagua had requested Sh6.4 billion. Now the figure has changed to Sh10 billion. These inconsistencies indicate the allegations are not credible,” said Nyutu.
During the interview, Ruto alleged that Gachagua requested the money to solidify political support for him in the Mt. Kenya region.
However, Nyutu also criticized Ruto for contradicting himself, noting that the president initially claimed he had no role in Gachagua’s removal but later admitted to approving it after repeated requests from MPs.
“The president accused Gachagua of failing to advocate for government projects, yet he also admitted that his administration hadn’t implemented any major projects in two years because it was focused on fixing the economy. That’s a contradiction,” Nyutu said.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s allies have announced plans to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, setting up a political battle against Ruto’s UDA party.
The seat became vacant following the nomination of MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs. If approved by Parliament, Ruku will replace Justin Muturi.
Hours after Ruto’s remarks, Gachagua took to social media, indirectly referring to the president as a “pathological liar.”
“I am now more convinced than ever that pathological lying is a mental disorder,” he wrote, accusing Ruto of misleading the nation.
Gachagua warned that dishonesty from leaders posed a major threat to the country.
“The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking. I weep for my country, Kenya,” he added.
During his interview, Ruto claimed that Gachagua was removed due to his constant conflicts with government officials, including complaints about bloggers such as Dennis Itumbi.
“He was not working; he was always fighting and complaining. I had to keep stepping in until I got tired,” Ruto said.
