President William Ruto criticised Rigathi Gachagua during his tour of Nyamira County.
The President accuses his former deputy of demanding money from politicians and businesspeople, while rejecting his claims of delivering the 2022 victory.
President William Ruto attacks Gachagua over alleged extortion, accusing his former deputy of demanding money from businesspeople and politicians. He also questioned Rigathi Gachagua’s suitability for political office.
Ruto spoke on Monday during the second day of his tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties. He made the remarks at the Riamoni-Nyangori Road and Last Mile Connectivity event in Kitutu Masaba, Nyamira County.
Ruto attacks Gachagua over alleged payments
The President alleged that Gachagua used his position as Deputy President to extract money from people seeking opportunities. He further claimed that the conduct continued after Gachagua’s impeachment.
Ruto described his former deputy as a chief extortionist and linked his removal from office to those allegations. He accused Gachagua of troubling businesspeople and candidates through demands for money.
The President also alleged that some governors gave Gachagua Sh10 million or Sh20 million. However, he said he did not know how much candidates paid.
Ruto claimed that even an opportunity to speak at Gachagua’s political events cost Sh50,000. He also accused the former deputy of using the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to continue the alleged activities.
President rejects claims over 2022 victory
Meanwhile, Ruto rejected Gachagua’s assertion that he played the decisive role in making him President in 2022. Instead, he said he personally travelled across the country to seek votes.
Addressing residents, Ruto recalled asking the people of Kisii for their support during that campaign. He challenged the suggestion that his election victory depended on his former deputy.
Ruto also contrasted their political records, saying voters had elected him seven times. By comparison, he said, Gachagua had served only one term as a Member of Parliament.
The President accused Gachagua of looking down on Kenyan voters and urged politicians to respect citizens. His remarks come as Gachagua challenges Ruto’s re-election ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
