Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of betrayal after suffering political and personal turmoil. Gachagua’s impassioned speech following his discharge from the Karen Hospital, where he was admitted for severe chest pains, has drawn attention to the growing rift between the two leaders who were once close allies. The impeachment of Gachagua by the Senate and the subsequent withdrawal of his security detail have added to the tension, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape.
A Trusted Ally Turns Critic
Speaking after being discharged from Karen Hospital, Gachagua expressed deep regret for supporting Ruto’s presidential campaign, which he believed would cement their partnership in leading Kenya. The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable as he recalled the sacrifices he made to support Ruto, only to be “viciously” sidelined two years after assuming office.
“I didn’t know President Ruto could be that vicious. I am so shocked by how vicious a man I helped to be president, that I believed in, I was persecuted for supporting him, could be so vicious against me when I am literally fighting for my life in hospital,” Gachagua lamented.
This statement reflects the profound sense of betrayal Gachagua feels after what he describes as an unwavering commitment to Ruto’s political ambitions. Gachagua’s rise to the deputy presidency was largely fueled by his fierce loyalty to Ruto, particularly during the tense and divisive 2022 elections. However, the relationship has since soured, with Gachagua now accusing the president of abandoning him at his most vulnerable moment.
Impeachment: A Political Setback
The impeachment of Gachagua by the Senate on October 17, 2024, sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political sphere. The Senate found him guilty of five out of the 11 charges brought against him, resulting in his removal from office. Gachagua’s impeachment was based on accusations ranging from abuse of office to gross misconduct, charges that he vehemently denies.
While the Senate’s vote effectively ousted him from the deputy presidency, Gachagua has obtained a stay order from the courts, temporarily halting his removal. He remains defiant, insisting that he is still the legally appointed Deputy President until the court finalizes its decision.
Despite the legal setback, Gachagua plans to mount a defense in court to overturn the Senate’s decision. His resolve to fight for his political survival underscores the high stakes involved in this unfolding drama. However, his political future remains uncertain as the legal battle looms.
Political Betrayal: Gachagua’s Emotional Account
Gachagua’s speech following his discharge was not just an indictment of Ruto’s leadership but also an emotional recounting of the personal hardships he has faced since their fallout. He spoke of the political isolation and betrayal that has left him without security and support.
“I have been here alone without a single officer looking after me. All officers close to me were disarmed and given a warning that they should not be near me. As we speak, the Deputy President has no single security officer around him. He is alone,” Gachagua revealed, underscoring the extent of his political isolation.
In a startling claim, Gachagua stated that his security detail at both his Karen and Nyeri residences had been withdrawn. He also mentioned that vehicles used by staff in his office were impounded, effectively crippling the operations of the Deputy President’s office. These actions, according to Gachagua, were designed to undermine him and further isolate him from the political establishment.
The withdrawal of his security, Gachagua argues, is not just a personal affront but a calculated move to make him vulnerable. He has publicly stated that if anything were to happen to him or his family, President Ruto should be held accountable.
“If anything happens to me or my family, President Ruto must be held to account,” Gachagua said, raising serious concerns about his personal safety in the current political climate.
Allegations of a Political Plot
Gachagua’s emotional outpouring extended to claims of a concerted effort to block him from attending the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale. He alleges that chopper owners were instructed not to provide him with flight access, and Wilson Airport was ordered to deny him entry.
“I know there was a concerted effort that I should not go to Kwale for the celebration, and Wilson Airport was told that I should not go through their airport,” Gachagua claimed. This allegation, if true, suggests that the political animosity between Gachagua and Ruto may have reached unprecedented levels, with efforts being made to marginalize Gachagua from key national events.
Speaking Truth to Power
Despite the political hostility he faces, Gachagua remains adamant that his only offense is “being truthful.” He believes that his willingness to stand up to President Ruto and point out mistakes, particularly regarding controversial issues such as corruption and the Adani scandal, has led to his downfall.
“I am the only man in Cabinet who can stand up to President Ruto and tell him, ‘Hey brother, this is not right. This Adani thing is not right for the country. There is too much corruption in the country,'” Gachagua stated.
These comments highlight the deep rift between the two leaders over key policy issues, particularly concerning corruption. Gachagua’s criticism of the Adani deal, a high-profile investment project, reveals his growing discontent with the direction of the Ruto administration. By positioning himself as a whistleblower within the government, Gachagua is attempting to frame his political persecution as a consequence of his honesty and integrity.
Gachagua’s Political Future
Gachagua’s fate now lies in the hands of the judiciary as he seeks a second appearance before the Senate to defend himself. However, the political climate surrounding his impeachment suggests that his return to office may be an uphill battle. The nomination of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his potential replacement further complicates his path to political redemption.
The appointment of Kindiki signals that President Ruto is ready to move forward without Gachagua. Kindiki, a trusted ally of Ruto, is seen as a safer political bet, particularly in the wake of the growing tensions between the President and his embattled deputy.
The Broader Implications
Gachagua’s fall from grace marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics, exposing the fragility of political alliances and the ruthless nature of power struggles. His accusations of betrayal by President Ruto have brought to light the internal conflicts within the government, raising questions about the stability of Ruto’s administration.
The public fallout between Ruto and Gachagua also sheds light on the broader issue of corruption and governance in Kenya. Gachagua’s criticisms of corruption within the government, particularly regarding the Adani deal, have reignited debates about transparency and accountability at the highest levels of power.
Conclusion
Rigathi Gachagua’s impassioned speech following his hospitalization and impeachment paints a picture of a man betrayed by the very system he helped build. His accusations against President Ruto, coupled with his claims of political persecution, have brought the deep divisions within the Kenyan government to the forefront. As Gachagua prepares to fight his impeachment in court, the future of Kenya’s political landscape hangs in the balance. Whether he succeeds or fails, his case will have lasting implications for the country’s political dynamics.
