- President Ruto claims Gachagua blackmailed him, demanding Sh10 billion to support him in Mt Kenya.
- He says MPs from the region rejected Gachagua as his running mate in 2022.
- Ruto accuses Gachagua of threatening MPs and failing to defend government projects.
- The president denies orchestrating his removal, saying it was a decision by Mt Kenya leaders.
President William Ruto has disclosed details of his fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of political blackmail and poor leadership. Speaking in an interview with Mt Kenya-based media stations, Ruto alleged that Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion to help him secure political backing in the region, threatening to make him a one-term president if he failed to comply.
Mt Kenya MPs Rejected Gachagua from the Start
Ruto revealed that when he was choosing his running mate in 2022, Mt Kenya MPs overwhelmingly opposed Gachagua’s nomination. In a vote conducted among the leaders, Kithure Kindiki garnered 27 votes, while Gachagua managed only five. Despite this, Ruto overruled the MPs, believing that picking Gachagua would solidify his support in the region.
“I told them to allow me to consult and provide the roadmap. Because I had been accused of working with youthful leaders from Mt Kenya, I told them that for the people to believe us, let me pick this old man near my age,” Ruto stated.
Why Gachagua Fell Out of Favor
The president outlined three key reasons for Gachagua’s political downfall:
1. Threatening Mt Kenya MPs – Ruto said Gachagua frequently clashed with lawmakers, warning that those who refused to support him would lose their seats.
2. Failing to Defend Government Projects – Ruto criticized Gachagua for avoiding media engagements and not promoting government initiatives, stating, “Did you see Rigathi on any TV station talking about government programmes? No.”
3. Constant Complaints and Political Fights – According to Ruto, Gachagua often complained about figures like Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet, Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung’wah, disrupting government operations.
Ruto Distances Himself from Gachagua’s Ouster
Despite the fallout, Ruto denied playing a direct role in Gachagua’s removal, asserting that it was a decision made by Mt Kenya leaders. “Those who removed him followed the law, I never signed anywhere that he be removed from office,” he clarified.
The president’s revelations mark the latest twist in Kenya’s shifting political landscape, raising questions about the future of Gachagua’s political career.
