In a recent interview with the media, President William Ruto opened up about his falling out with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging that Gachagua had threatened to undermine his presidency. Ruto claimed Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion, asserting that this money was necessary to bolster Ruto’s support in the Mt Kenya region.
Ruto recounted a tense conversation where Gachagua directly stated, “Unless you give me the billions, I will make you a one-term president.” The President emphasized that this demand for funds was a form of blackmail, which he found unacceptable.
Reflecting on Gachagua’s initial selection as his running mate in 2022, Ruto revealed that MPs from the region had expressed their disapproval from the outset. “When I sought a running mate, the leaders could not reach a consensus. After a lengthy meeting at my office, they voted, and Gachagua received only five votes compared to Kindiki’s 27,” Ruto explained. Despite the lack of support, Ruto chose Gachagua, believing that having a candidate close to his age would resonate better with the electorate.
After taking office, Ruto described Gachagua’s missteps, which he characterized as three significant “sins.” One of the major issues was Gachagua’s alleged threats toward Mt Kenya MPs, warning that those who did not support him would be sidelined. Ruto noted that the MPs were wary and indicated they would respond to Gachagua’s approach by December.
Furthermore, Ruto criticized Gachagua for not adequately promoting government initiatives, stating, “As Deputy President, it is crucial to advocate for government projects. Unlike my tenure, where I frequently appeared in media interviews, Gachagua has not been visible in any public platform discussing government programs.”
Ruto concluded by reaffirming that all government actions required the Deputy President’s involvement, highlighting the importance of effective communication and representation in governance.
This revelation adds another layer to the ongoing political dynamics within Kenya’s leadership, as Ruto navigates the challenges of his administration while addressing internal conflicts.
