President William Ruto has provided insight into the events that led to the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, attributing their fallout to internal conflicts within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking during a roundtable interview with vernacular stations on Monday, Ruto disclosed that tensions arose soon after they took office, with Gachagua engaging in disputes with key figures, including 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.
The President emphasized that he did not personally push for Gachagua’s removal, insisting 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 stated.
Ruto further revealed that Gachagua had demanded Ksh.10 billion in exchange for mobilizing political 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 said.
The President’s remarks shed new light on the political rift that ultimately led to Gachagua’s impeachment, highlighting deep-seated divisions within the ruling coalition.
