President William Ruto has offered new insights into the circumstances leading to the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, attributing the fallout to internal rifts within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking during a roundtable interview with vernacular stations on Monday, Ruto detailed how tensions within the administration escalated soon after taking office, ultimately culminating in Gachagua’s removal from power.
Genesis of the Rift
According to Ruto, discord emerged early in their administration, with Gachagua reportedly engaging in confrontations with key political figures, including blogger Dennis Itumbi, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The President recalled questioning Gachagua’s confrontational stance, urging him to avoid unnecessary disputes.
“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 revealed.
The internal feuds, he explained, strained relationships within the coalition, eventually pushing lawmakers to take decisive action against Gachagua.
The tipping point, Ruto claimed, came when the former deputy president allegedly sought to exert undue control over Members of Parliament.
“The MPs were told that unless they bowed down, they would be sent home. In response, they decided to act first,” Ruto stated, implying that parliamentarians moved to impeach Gachagua as a defensive measure.
The Impeachment Process
Despite the fallout, Ruto distanced himself from directly engineering Gachagua’s removal, maintaining that the 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 asserted.
This statement seeks to counter allegations that the President orchestrated Gachagua’s ouster, instead framing it as a consequence of internal coalition dynamics and parliamentary action.
The Ksh.10 Billion Allegation
One of the most startling revelations from the interview was Ruto’s claim that Gachagua demanded Ksh.10 billion to mobilize political support for the President in the Mt. Kenya region.
The demand, Ruto stated, was presented as a condition to ensure his political longevity.
“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 recounted.
This accusation, if true, underscores the deep political and financial complexities within the ruling coalition and raises questions about the role of money in regional political consolidation.
Upcoming Mt. Kenya Tour and Political Climate
Amid concerns about rising political tensions, Ruto downplayed the possibility of hostility ahead of his planned nine-county tour of the Mt. Kenya region.
The tour, set to commence on Tuesday, aims to provide voters with an update on his administration’s achievements and address lingering concerns.
“I am here because I was given a mandate by the people of Kenya, including those from Central Kenya. From tomorrow, it will be clear whether I have fulfilled my promises,” he stated, projecting confidence in his standing within the region.
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Addressing Criticism
Responding to critiques from Gachagua and his allies, Ruto defended his administration’s record, particularly in infrastructure development.
Without naming his former deputy directly, the President took a veiled swipe at him by highlighting completed projects.
“I have heard some leaders say I have done nothing. But I was the one who initiated the road from Marua, passing through Wamunyoro, where this very critic lives,” Ruto remarked.
Political Implications
The unfolding tensions between Ruto and Gachagua could have significant ramifications for Kenya Kwanza’s stability and the broader political landscape.
Gachagua’s impeachment and subsequent criticism of the administration suggest deepening divisions within the ruling coalition, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of the next general election.
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As Ruto embarks on his Mt. Kenya tour, the political reception he receives will be a critical barometer of his influence in the region and the effectiveness of his leadership narrative amidst internal and external challenges.
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