The ongoing feud between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto shows no signs of resolution. Gachagua took to his X account to label Ruto a “pathological liar,” though he refrained from naming him directly.
In a sharp critique, Gachagua accused Ruto of misleading the Kenyan public, following a televised interview where the president suggested Gachagua’s removal stemmed from selfish interests and poor leadership, as well as an inability to collaborate with other officials.
“I am now more convinced than ever that pathological lying is a mental disorder,” Gachagua stated. “The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking, coupled with a leader’s failure to unite their team in presenting a coherent narrative. I weep for my country, Kenya,” he added.
This response followed Ruto’s interview on vernacular TV channels, where he explained the reasons behind Gachagua’s ouster. The president claimed that Gachagua had demanded Sh10 billion in exchange for political support in the Mt. Kenya region. “I was told, ‘I can make you a one-term president unless you give me Sh10 billion to organize politics in the region.’ I refused. If my fate is to be a one-term president, so be it,” Ruto remarked during the interview.
Despite the escalating political tensions, Ruto downplayed concerns ahead of his upcoming nine-county tour of Mt. Kenya, which kicks off today. He emphasized that the purpose of the visit is to update constituents on his administration’s achievements. “I am here because I was given a mandate by the people of Kenya, including those from Central Kenya. Starting tomorrow, it will be clear whether I have fulfilled my promises,” he stated.
