In a stunning revelation, President William Ruto has, for the first time, spoken publicly about the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking to media houses from the Mt. Kenya region ahead of his regional tour, the president disclosed details of the political drama that led to Gachagua’s removal from office.
Ruto’s Attempts to Save Gachagua
President Ruto stated that he made multiple efforts to prevent Gachagua’s impeachment. According to him, he personally intervened twice by convening meetings with Members of Parliament, urging them to halt the process. However, his third attempt failed, as MPs declined to attend the meeting, signaling their firm decision to proceed with the impeachment.
Gachagua’s Troubled Relationships
Ruto described Gachagua as a leader who constantly found himself in unnecessary conflicts, often picking fights with key government officials. The president revealed that he had to mediate several disputes between Gachagua and influential figures within the government, including Dennis Itumbi, his personal assistant Farouk Kibet, Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung’wah, among others.
Additionally, Ruto disclosed that Gachagua had issued threats to elected leaders, warning them that he would ensure they lost their seats by December. This, according to the president, may have pushed the MPs to solidify their impeachment plans against him.
The Ksh 10 Billion Demand
Perhaps the most shocking part of the president’s revelations was his claim that Gachagua had, at one point, demanded Ksh 10 billion from him. Ruto alleged that the former deputy president threatened to turn him into a one-term president if his demands were not met. The head of state noted that Gachagua had seemingly abandoned his constitutional role of assisting the president, focusing instead on personal interests and political battles.
“There was no given time he went for a media interview to speak about our government’s development agenda,” Ruto stated, implying that Gachagua had lost sight of his responsibilities as a deputy.
Why Ruto Picked Gachagua as His Deputy
For the first time, President Ruto also explained why he chose Gachagua as his running mate in the 2022 general election. He revealed that Mt. Kenya leaders had initially failed to reach a consensus on a nominee and had to conduct a vote. The majority had settled on Kithure Kindiki. However, Ruto requested them to allow him to pick Gachagua instead.
According to the president, he felt he was often accused of surrounding himself with young politicians, and therefore, he needed a running mate closer to his age to strike a balance.
Political Implications
The president’s statements mark a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, especially within the Mt. Kenya region. His candid remarks indicate a clear break between him and Gachagua, signaling possible realignments ahead of the next general election.
As the dust settles on these explosive claims, political analysts will be watching closely to see how these revelations shape the future of Kenya’s political discourse.
