Rigathi Gachagua Breaks Silence on Fallout with President Ruto, Pledges to Expose Him
On Sunday night, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced his intention to expose President William Ruto, attributing their fallout to his resistance against some of the President’s unpopular policies.
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Speaking candidly, Mr. Gachagua admitted he now understands why former President Uhuru Kenyatta refrained from supporting Dr. Ruto during the 2022 presidential race, opting instead to back opposition leader Raila Odinga. Mr. Odinga narrowly lost to Dr. Ruto by 200,000 votes (7.2 million to 7 million).
Initially a staunch ally of Dr. Ruto, Gachagua spearheaded the Mt. Kenya region’s support for him, delivering 87% of its votes as Ruto’s running mate. However, two years into their administration, Gachagua was impeached on October 17, 2024, and replaced by Prof. Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President.
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Reflecting on his experience, Gachagua remarked, “I am happy now that he (President Ruto) has come to confirm the many negative things Mr Kenyatta used to tell us in private about his Deputy…then, I used to doubt the issues raised…but not any longer.”
In an interview with NTV, Gachagua accused President Ruto of leading a government plagued by corruption and mismanagement. He described it as a “one-man show government bent on racketeering,” giving Ruto’s administration just a year to redeem itself.
On Economic Policies
“…He is not a man I can dare deal with as a Christian…given another opportunity to engage him, I would deal with him as a politician…he has given me an opportunity to serve, know him better, gain experience and as we move along, I will ensure people of Kenya get to know who he is,” Gachagua said.
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Gachagua criticized the government’s handling of the economy, claiming that its policies are detached from the realities of ordinary Kenyans. He highlighted the controversial Social Health Insurance Fund, which he labeled a “rip-off” compared to the National Health Insurance Fund, whose upgrade would have cost significantly less.
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“The economy should speak for itself. When people can feel its benefits, there’s no need for government propaganda,” he stated.
On Abductions and Human Rights
Gachagua expressed deep concern over alleged abductions, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances under the current administration. He revealed that he had personally advised President Ruto to acknowledge and address these issues, warning that denial was eroding public trust.
“These abductions are real, and they’re documented. When the Inspector General denies them, who else is responsible? Why hasn’t anyone been arrested?” he questioned.
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He recalled advising the President, “Your security chiefs are misleading you and setting you against the people of Kenya. This is why many view you as dishonest.”
Future Political Plans
Mr. Gachagua hinted at revealing his next political moves in February 2025 after consultations with Mt. Kenya stakeholders. He acknowledged Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as a potential ally, describing him as “a man we can work with.”
On Gen Z Protests
Touching on the nationwide Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2025, Gachagua criticized the administration’s harsh response, accusing it of branding genuine dissent as treason. The protests, which culminated in the partial burning of the National Assembly, highlighted growing frustration among Kenyans.
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“This country is sliding into a dictatorship and a police state. The administration cannot tolerate dissent,” he warned.
Despite their differences, Gachagua expressed a lingering sense of empathy for President Ruto, describing him as a leader misled by those around him.
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However, he vowed to ensure Kenyans understand the realities of Ruto’s leadership as he positions himself for a key role in the 2027 elections.