In a no-holds-barred address, President William Ruto has distanced himself from the political woes of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, stating unequivocally that he cannot be accused of orchestrating the downfall of a man he personally championed for the position.
“I cannot be accused of orchestrating the downfall of someone I single-handedly, against the advice of everyone else, nominated to be my running mate,” Ruto asserted during a live interview on K24TV.
The Running Mate Selection
William Ruto revealed that when the time came to choose his running mate, the contest was far from close. “Prof. Kithure Kindiki received 27 votes against Rigathi Gachagua’s 5. When the Mt. Kenya MPs caucus brought me the results, they begrudgingly accepted my request to allow ‘this man who is slightly older than me’ to be my running mate.”
Despite the overwhelming preference for Kindiki, Ruto insisted on Gachagua, a decision that would later prove tumultuous.
A Rocky Start in Office
Just three months into their administration, cracks began to show in their working relationship. Ruto accused Gachagua of engaging in petty squabbles, targeting key figures within the administration, including Ndindi Nyoro, Dennis Itumbi, and Farouk Kibet.
The President further alleged that Gachagua displayed an autocratic streak, reportedly demanding that Mt. Kenya MPs kneel before him or risk political victimization.
Such conduct, according to Ruto, alienated the deputy president from his peers and fueled resentment within the ruling coalition.
Impeachment Talks Gain Momentum
The mounting discontent reached a tipping point when a faction of Mt. Kenya MPs pushed for Gachagua’s impeachment. Ruto, sensing the rising hostility, attempted to mediate.
However, his efforts were in vain. “They warned me not to interfere with their plan because of the traumatic experiences they had gone through in his hands,” he revealed.
Despite his position as head of state, William Ruto appeared unable to quell the rebellion brewing within his own ranks.
A Demand for 10 Billion
Perhaps the most damning claim from William Ruto’s address was the assertion that Gachagua once threatened to sabotage his presidency unless he was handed Ksh10 billion.
“At one time, Rigathi came to threaten me that he would make me a one-term president if I didn’t give him Ksh10 billion. I stared straight at him and informed him I would not do it under any circumstances whatsoever. If it meant me being a one-term president, so be it,” Ruto boldly stated.
This shocking revelation adds yet another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama.
A Political Firestorm
With Ruto washing his hands off Gachagua’s fate and impeachment talks gaining traction, the deputy president finds himself politically isolated. The President’s remarks not only signal a deep rift within the highest echelons of government but also indicate a looming leadership shake-up.
As the political storm intensifies, the future of Rigathi Gachagua hangs in the balance. Will he weather the storm, or is his downfall inevitable? One thing is certain—Kenya’s political landscape is poised for seismic shifts.
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