Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka expressed concerns about a potential permanent rift between President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, if their ongoing disagreements persist into the next year.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on Monday, Onyonka highlighted a historical pattern of deteriorating relationships between presidents and their deputies in Kenya.
He referenced the split between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, noting that their tenure began on a positive note but ended in a bitter political divide.
Onyonka’s comments suggest that the current tensions between Ruto and Gachagua could follow a similar trajectory, potentially leading to a significant and lasting split in the country’s leadership.
“Even us we thought that disagreeing with Uhuru was just something, how can they disagree? At some point there is a steep in politics where beyond that red line you cannot reverse it,” he said.
“By next year if this war continues like this Gachagua will be gone and William Ruto will be gone. The question then becomes does Gachagua or Ruto move to the west (Western Kenya) to go and pick a vice president and also what happens to that vice president after Ruto wins his second term. Will he also be betrayed?”
Amid speculation of a deteriorating relationship between President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, the latter has dismissed these claims, asserting that their partnership remains strong.
Speaking on Sunday in Uasin Gishu, Gachagua emphasized the amicable nature of his relationship with President Ruto, stating that they “love and respect each other.”
Gachagua’s comments came shortly after he suggested that some leaders close to Ruto were attempting to create discord between him and the president. He expressed his frustration, warning that he would not tolerate any efforts by Ruto’s allies to damage his relationship with the president.
Gachagua also urged these individuals to stay out of the political affairs of the Mt. Kenya region, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a united front within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The problem is a few leaders here from this region who have proximity to the President ndio wanakoroga siasa ya huko kwetu kudanganya watu eti waaanze kupanga mambo ya 2032,” he said.
