Kirinyaga County witnessed a fiery display of defiance from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, as he addressed what he termed as a growing undermining of his position by a faction close to President William Ruto. In a speech marked by raw emotion and unfiltered critique, Gachagua did not mince words, taking aim at certain Cabinet Secretaries, Ruto’s Personal Assistants, and bloggers.
Speaking during an empowerment program in Kirinyaga, the Deputy President expressed his frustration with the perceived disrespect and condescension from individuals he described as mere aides and associates of President Ruto. Gachagua’s message was clear: his authority as the Deputy President, elected by millions of Kenyans, could not be usurped or belittled by individuals without a mandate from the people.
“How can a personal assistant, a CS, or a blogger think they have authority over a sitting Deputy President elected by millions of Kenyans?” Gachagua questioned. His rhetorical query underscored a broader point about the sanctity of his office and the democratic legitimacy it carries. He emphasized that only President Ruto and the people of Kenya have the right to direct him in his duties.
“Even some of his friends, his PAs want to order me around on how to do my work. Is it possible? Even bloggers of the president want to tell me what to do… you know me, I have only two bosses, President Ruto and the people of Kenya,” Gachagua asserted. His statement highlighted his commitment to his constitutional role and his loyalty to the President, while drawing a firm line against interference from unofficial quarters.
Gachagua accused Ruto’s allies of creating a hostile environment between him and the President, suggesting that their overzealous behavior was sowing discord. He pointed to the formation of a WhatsApp group dubbed ‘Project 22’ by these individuals, which he claimed was being used to incite other leaders against him. According to Gachagua, this group is fueling the narrative of a rift between him and Ruto, a situation he believes is orchestrated by those eager to assert undue influence over the Deputy Presidency.
The Deputy President’s remarks also carried a cautionary note to Ruto’s friends and aides, urging them to remember their place. “I cannot allow people who hang around him, his friends, to also think they are my bosses, they are not. I am elected by the people of Kenya. I cannot confuse my boss with his friends, I am not that stupid, I know the difference,” he declared, reinforcing his stance on the separation of his official duties from the informal influence of presidential associates.
Gachagua’s outburst in Kirinyaga is likely to spark further debate about the dynamics within the upper echelons of Kenya’s political leadership. As the Deputy President stands firm against what he sees as encroachments on his authority, the coming days will reveal whether this public display of defiance will lead to a recalibration of relationships within President Ruto’s inner circle or deepen the divisions that Gachagua so vehemently condemned.
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