Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo opened up about the contentious decision that saw President William Ruto select Rigathi Gachagua as his deputy, a move that has since had profound implications for Kenya’s political landscape. Kabogo’s disclosure offers a glimpse into the closed-door meetings where Ruto, against overwhelming opposition, chose Gachagua over Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. It has now become a focal point of discussion, as Gachagua faces an impeachment process and deepening divisions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. This article unpacks the complexities of that decision, its implications, and the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua.
The Decision-Making Process: A Majority for Kindiki
As Kabogo narrates, the choice for Ruto’s running mate was not straightforward. In a room with 26 individuals, a vote was conducted to determine who would best serve as Ruto’s deputy during the 2022 elections. Of the 26, 21 members favored Kithure Kindiki, then a respected figure within the UDA. Kindiki, known for his quiet demeanor, intellectual capacity, and appeal across political divides, seemed to offer a unifying choice at a time when Ruto sought to consolidate his base and secure votes from the broader political spectrum.
Rigathi Gachagua, however, garnered just three votes in the same meeting. Other candidates, including Anne Waiguru and Justin Muturi, received one vote each. Despite the overwhelming support for Kindiki, Ruto ultimately chose Gachagua, a decision that Kabogo suggests was driven by Ruto’s personal instincts rather than a consensus within the party leadership.
Kabogo quoted Ruto asking him, “William, you’ve been a governor, and you always wanted your own deputy. So, I want to be president—why can’t I have my own deputy, my own choice?” This statement hints at Ruto’s desire for autonomy in the selection of his deputy, a move that may have been aimed at consolidating personal loyalty and safeguarding his long-term political ambitions. However, the question that Kabogo and others in the room grappled with was why the matter was put to a vote if Ruto had already made up his mind.
Gachagua’s Appeal to Ruto: Loyalty Over Popularity
Ruto’s decision to pick Gachagua, despite the overwhelming preference for Kindiki, raises several questions. One of the most plausible explanations is that Ruto valued Gachagua’s loyalty and political connections within the crucial Mt. Kenya voting bloc. Gachagua, a seasoned politician with deep roots in central Kenya, had established himself as a staunch supporter of Ruto during the tumultuous years leading up to the 2022 elections.
While Kindiki had the backing of the majority, his quiet and less combative style may have made him appear less suited to the aggressive, high-stakes political environment that characterized Ruto’s campaign. Gachagua, on the other hand, brought a more combative and vocal approach to defending Ruto’s agenda. His ability to rally grassroots support in the Mt. Kenya region likely convinced Ruto that Gachagua would be a more effective ally in both the campaign and in governing.
However, this decision, while politically strategic at the time, has led to a series of challenges that have now culminated in an impeachment process against Gachagua. Kabogo’s remarks underscore the political gamble that Ruto took, one that has since placed him in a difficult position.
The Impeachment Process: Fallout and Tensions
In recent weeks, there has been growing momentum for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The charges leveled against him are severe, including allegations of misconduct and violation of the constitution. Among the most damaging accusations is that Gachagua amassed wealth in questionable ways, a claim that, if proven, could significantly tarnish both his and Ruto’s political legacies.
While Ruto has notably distanced himself from the ongoing impeachment debate, his allies within the UDA party have been vocal in pushing for Gachagua’s removal. This move suggests a widening rift between the president and his deputy, one that Kabogo hinted had been brewing for some time.
Kabogo’s commentary sheds light on Gachagua’s perceived downfall, pointing to his use of tribal politics as a divisive tool. Gachagua’s repeated invocation of “Watu wa Mlima” (People of the Mountain), a reference to the Kikuyu community, has drawn criticism for alienating other ethnic groups and exacerbating regional tensions. According to Kabogo, this tactic has contributed to Gachagua’s growing unpopularity, even within his own Mt. Kenya stronghold.
The tension between Gachagua and Ruto, however, seems to extend beyond mere political strategy. Kabogo suggests that Ruto’s decision to stay silent on the impeachment could be indicative of deeper personal and political disagreements. Ruto, who once defended his deputy with vigor, now appears content to let the process unfold without interference.
Gachagua’s Public Apology: A Misstep?
On a recent Sunday, Gachagua issued a public apology, asking President Ruto, members of parliament, and Kenyans at large to forgive him and his wife if they had offended anyone. The apology was seen by some as an attempt to diffuse the growing tensions and salvage his political career. However, Kabogo dismissed the apology as insincere, pointing to Gachagua’s attempt to “quantify” his regret as evidence that he was not genuinely remorseful.
This public plea for forgiveness has done little to halt the impeachment momentum. Instead, it has raised more questions about Gachagua’s future in Kenyan politics. His apology may have been a calculated move to regain public support, but Kabogo and other political observers suggest that it was too little, too late.
The Future of the Ruto-Gachagua Relationship
As the impeachment process unfolds, the once-solid relationship between Ruto and Gachagua appears to be unraveling. Kabogo’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of the UDA leadership and suggest that Ruto’s decision to pick Gachagua may have been more about personal loyalty than political pragmatism.
The consequences of this choice are now becoming clear, with Ruto facing the possibility of losing his deputy to impeachment. Whether Ruto will intervene to save Gachagua or let the process take its course remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the fallout from this decision will have lasting implications for both Ruto’s presidency and the future of the UDA party.
Conclusion
William Kabogo’s candid interview has exposed the fault lines that exist within President William Ruto’s administration. By choosing Rigathi Gachagua as his deputy, Ruto defied the majority within his party, a move that now seems to be backfiring. As Gachagua faces impeachment on charges of misconduct and constitutional violations, the future of Ruto’s presidency hangs in the balance. Whether this marks the end of Gachagua’s political career or a new chapter in Kenya’s ever-evolving political drama, one thing is clear: the decision to select Gachagua as deputy president will be remembered as one of Ruto’s most consequential—and controversial—choices.
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