The political battle between President William Ruto and his ex-deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has hit a sensational level, with both sides providing clashing versions on the impeachment and a staggering Ksh.10 billion demand.
Ruto’s side: A deputy who overstepped
President Ruto, in a recent roundtable interview with vernacular local radio stations, painted Gachagua as a polarizing figure whose battles with Kenya Kwanza’s top leaders made it difficult to lead. He blamed the former DP for waging political battles with blogger Dennis Itumbi, MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah.
“I asked him, ‘Why are you fighting with Itumbi, my PA Farouk and these young leaders? What is the need of such mini wars?” Ruto said.
The President also asserted that Gachagua demanded Ksh.10 billion in exchange for assuring Mt. Kenya’s political loyalty.
“The MPs were told that if they did not bow down, they would be sent home. In return, they decided to act first,” Ruto asserted, saying that due process was followed in the dismissal of the deputy.
He brushed aside criticism that his government had abandoned Mt. Kenya, claiming, “I have heard some leaders saying I have done nothing. But I was the one who opened the road from Marua, going through Wamunyoro, where this very critic lives.”
Gachagua’s side: A betrayal in the making?
“I am now convinced beyond any doubt, that pathological lying is a mental illness. The worst existential threat to our beloved nation is outright lying to Kenyans without batting an eyelid and inability by a leader to gather his team to synchronize their lies. I weep for my Country, Kenya,” stated Gachagua.
Despite the fact that Gachagua has not made open statements against Ruto’s recent claims, his followers argue that his removal was a well-plotted political move to sideline him. There are people who claim that the impeachment was driven by individuals within Ruto’s inner circle who felt threatened by Gachagua.
Gachagua’s allies disown the Ksh.10 billion demand, terming it an attempt to tarnish his image. His supporters think the former DP was merely advocating for Mt. Kenya’s portion of state resources.
“This was never a matter of money; it was a question of Mt. Kenya being ignored despite the votes,” one of his supporters asserted.
The deepening rift between the two former allies now creates doubts about the future of Kenya Kwanza and Mt. Kenya’s political influence prior to 2027. As accusations fly back and forth, the public wonders: Who is telling the truth?
