Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shed light on the internal strife within the Kenya Kwanza government, stemming from his appointment as President William Ruto’s deputy. Speaking at Kutus Primary School in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua disclosed that a faction of leaders within the government has never reconciled with Ruto’s decision to choose him over their preferred candidate.
Gachagua recounted a particularly tense episode in 2022, when his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, was forcibly removed from the Deputy President’s residence in Karen. This incident, according to Gachagua, was orchestrated by individuals vehemently opposed to his selection as Ruto’s deputy. “One of them who never wanted me to be Ruto’s deputy even vowed that I would not be picked. He even said, ‘over my dead body’. While at Karen, they found my wife Pastor Dorcas there and they chased her away. But Ruto chose me,” Gachagua revealed.
The Deputy President pointed out that this faction, despite the passage of time, remains disgruntled and continues to fuel political discord within the government. “Some of them have never moved on. This politics you are seeing is that small group fueling,” he said.
Gachagua emphasized that despite the concerted efforts by this group to sway the president against him, claiming he would be a failure, Ruto ultimately made the decision to stand by him. This ongoing dissent within the ranks highlights the deep-seated divisions that persist in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Deputy President’s remarks underscore the challenges of navigating political alliances and the impact of unresolved conflicts on governance. As the Kenya Kwanza government continues to face these internal battles, the stability and unity of the administration remain critical to its ability to effectively serve the Kenyan people.
Gachagua’s candid revelation brings to the fore the complexities of political partnerships and the enduring nature of political rivalries, even after key decisions have been made. As the Deputy President, his ability to manage these internal dynamics will be crucial in maintaining a cohesive and functional government.
