President William Ruto has shed light on the events that led to the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, claiming that the fallout stemmed from internal conflicts within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
During a roundtable interview with vernacular stations on Monday, Ruto explained that tensions erupted shortly after taking office, with Gachagua clashing with key figures such as blogger 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.
According to the President, Gachagua’s confrontational approach resulted in hostilities with lawmakers, ultimately costing him his position.
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 that he did not personally advocate for Gachagua’s removal, stating that due process was 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 recounted.
The President dismissed concerns about political tensions ahead of his planned nine-county tour of the Mt. Kenya region, which will begin on Tuesday. He said 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.
Responding to criticism from Gachagua and his allies, Ruto defended his track record, citing infrastructure projects completed under his leadership.
“I have heard some leaders say I have done nothing. But I was the one who initiated the road from Marua, passing through Wamunyoro, where this very critic lives,” he said in a veiled jab at Gachagua.
