Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of sidelining key Mount Kenya leaders, pushing false narratives, and using public institutions for personal and political gain.
In a candid interview aired Monday night, Gachagua defended former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, calling him a “very brilliant mind” and criticized his replacement with former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo as an insult to the people of Kiambu and the wider Mt Kenya region.
“The President didn’t want a leader from Mt Kenya who has brains. That’s why he sacked Moses Kuria, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, and myself,” Gachagua said.
He likened Kuria’s recent appointment as economic advisor to a symbolic demotion, saying:
“Moses Kuria cannot advise William Ruto. He is there to get the salary and go home… You cannot chase away your wife and bring her back as your maid. That’s an insult.”
KSh 10 Billion Allegations: “A Cooked-Up Storyline”
Gachagua also dismissed Ruto’s recent claim that he demanded KSh 10 billion for political support in Mt Kenya, branding the accusation as a fabricated ploy to damage his image.
“He cobbled this KSh10 billion narrative to show the people of Mt Kenya that Gachagua is a very selfish man,” he stated.
The former DP pointed to inconsistencies in statements made by Ruto’s allies—Dennis Itumbi claimed he asked for KSh 6.5 billion, while Kimani Ichung’wah said it was KSh 8 billion, and Ruto himself alleged KSh 10 billion.
“Can they sit down and agree on a figure Rigathi Gachagua is supposed to have asked for?” he asked mockingly.
He further claimed that if the allegations had any merit, they would have been used against him during his recent impeachment proceedings.
“This impeachment was crafted by President William Ruto, the National Intelligence Service, and Professor Kithure Kindiki,” he alleged.
Fertilizer Scandal and AG Firing Claims
Gachagua exposed what he termed a “fertilizer scandal,” stating that a donation from Russia meant for farmers was diverted to private companies—Maisha Millers and Devki Group—who then repackaged and sold it to the government at market prices.
He also alleged that Attorney General Justin Muturi was fired for refusing to sign a suspicious contract involving stalled dam projects linked to Italian contractors, a deal he claims was disguised under the climate change agenda.
“Since Justin Muturi refused to sign that document, over the last year, you have never heard President Ruto talk about climate change. It was a money laundering scheme,” Gachagua said.
Kosovo, Farouk Kibet, and the Shadow Presidency
Gachagua claimed President Ruto has business ties with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, stating that the two co-own Dolphin Hotel in Mombasa—a connection he suggested influenced Kenya’s decision to formally recognize Kosovo.
He went further to allege that Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, wields excessive power in government.
“Farouk Kibet is not a small man, he is a co-president of this country. Everyone reports to him—from the IG of Police to Cabinet Secretaries,” he said.
Caution to Security Chiefs
Reacting to recent comments by CDF General Charles Kahariri discouraging “Ruto Must Go” chants, Gachagua warned top security officials to avoid being used as political shields.
“I urge CDF General Kahariri and IG Douglas Kanja to be careful with William Ruto,” he cautioned.
Final Blow: Ruto’s Mt Kenya Betrayal
Gachagua accused Ruto of deceiving the Mt Kenya region into believing that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga were the enemy, only to betray their trust once in power.
“He pushed a narrative that Uhuru was a drunkard and Raila a witch doctor. He then turned around and isolated us,” Gachagua concluded.
The former second-in-command’s remarks mark his most direct confrontation with the Head of State since their fallout began earlier this year, signaling a deepening political rift that could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 succession race.