Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that his impeachment was as a result of internal conflicts with State House officials and Members of Parliament in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, March 31, 2025 Gachagua also refuted allegations that he demanded Ksh10 billion to maintain president Ruto’s support in the Mt Kenya region.
“The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking and failure by a leader to put his team together to harmonise their lies,” Gachagua stated.
His remarks emerged shortly after Ruto’s interview at Sagana State Lodge.
During an interview with vernacular stations on Monday, the president explained that tensions erupted shortly after taking office, as Gachagua clashed with key figures such as Dennis Itumbi and MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah.
“I asked him, ‘Why are you fighting with Itumbi, my PA Farouk, and these young leaders? What’s the need for such small battles?” Ruto said.
Ruto explained that Gachagua’s confrontational approach resulted in hostilities with MPs, leading to his impeachment.
“The MPs were told that unless they bowed down, they would be sent home. In response, they decided to act first,” Ruto explained.
He emphasized his innocence in Gachagua’s impeachment, stating that constitutional provisions were followed.
“I did not sign anywhere for him to be removed. The law was followed, and those who removed him did so within the legal framework,” he said.
Ruto also revealed that Gachagua demanded Ksh.10 billion in order to rally support for the President in the Mt. Kenya region.
“I was told, ‘I can make you a one-term president unless you give me Ksh.10 billion to organize politics in the region.’ I refused. If my fate is to be a one-term president, so be it,” Ruto narrated.
At the same time, the President dismissed concerns about political tensions ahead of his planned tour of the Mt. Kenya region, which will begin on Tuesday April 1, 2025.
According to Ruto, the tour aims to update voters on his administration’s progress.
“I am here because I was given a mandate by the people of Kenya, including those from Central Kenya. From tomorrow, it will be clear whether I have fulfilled my promises,” he stated.
