Ruto Discloses Gachagua’s Secret Sh10 Billion Demand Before Impeachment
President William Ruto has made shocking revelations about the behind-the-scenes intrigues that led to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. According to Ruto, Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion in exchange for political cooperation, an ultimatum the President refused to bow to.
Speaking in an interview with vernacular stations ahead of his five-day tour of the Mount Kenya region, Ruto claimed he had previously shielded Gachagua from impeachment twice before eventually allowing MPs to proceed with his removal from office.
Rift Between Ruto and Gachagua
The President disclosed that even before the 2022 elections, many Central Kenya MPs were against Gachagua’s selection as his running mate. He revealed that in May 2022, only five MPs supported Gachagua, while 27 favored Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
After assuming office, tensions escalated as Gachagua sought to establish himself as the Mt Kenya political kingpin. Ruto cited various instances where the former DP clashed with MPs and government officials, including the President’s Personal Assistant, Farouk Kibet, and blogger Dennis Itumbi.
“He became a perennial complainant, accusing everyone of undermining him, even junior people like blogger Itumbi, Farouk, and MP Ndindi Nyoro,” said Ruto. “I told him to focus on service delivery, but he insisted on battles. He even demanded Sh10 billion from me, threatening to make me a one-term president if I refused. I was not going to be blackmailed.”
Gachagua’s Failure to Defend the Government
Ruto also accused Gachagua of failing to promote the Kenya Kwanza government’s development agenda. He contrasted this with his own time as Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta, where he frequently defended government projects on television.
“For two years, Gachagua never defended our initiatives, such as affordable housing and universal healthcare,” Ruto lamented. “I asked him to articulate our agenda, but he didn’t.”
Political Fallout and Regional Realignments
The President’s latest visit to Central Kenya comes at a crucial time following Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. The fallout has sparked major political realignments, including a formal alliance between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The tour also follows the dismissal of former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who had openly criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration. Ruto explained his decision to sack Muturi, stating, “I gave him a second chance, but he refused to work. He even skipped Cabinet meetings.”
Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies in Central Kenya have been working to pacify the region ahead of his visit. MPs Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), and Jane Kagiri (Woman Rep) are mobilizing supporters to ensure a warm reception for the President.
Mount Kenya’s Growing Discontent
Despite these efforts, the region remains politically volatile. Some MPs who previously supported Ruto, such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, were removed from key parliamentary positions due to their perceived loyalty to Gachagua.
Public discontent has been growing over unfulfilled campaign promises, particularly regarding youth employment and the high cost of living. Recent rallies in the region have seen instances of open hostility toward government officials, with Ruto’s critics arguing that his administration has neglected key agricultural sectors like coffee, tea, and macadamia farming.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango warned that Ruto’s visit must focus on addressing these concerns. “The government must prioritize the coffee sector. Proposed reforms could undo the progress made under Gachagua,” he said.
Ruto’s Strategic Approach
Acknowledging the political sensitivity of his tour, Ruto’s team has reportedly planned his itinerary to avoid areas of strong opposition. Political analysts argue that the President must shift from political mobilization to showcasing tangible achievements if he hopes to regain trust in the region.
“We advised him not to make any new promises but to ensure existing ones are fulfilled,” said a source close to the planning team.
As Ruto embarks on this critical tour, all eyes are on how he will navigate the growing political dissent in Mount Kenya, a region that played a crucial role in his rise to power. His ability to mend fences—or further alienate the region—could significantly shape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.
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Ruto Discloses Gachagua’s Secret Sh10 Billion Demand Before Impeachment
