Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared the reasons behind his impeachment, shedding light on the tension that existed between him and President William Ruto during his time in office. Gachagua candidly explained that his impeachment stemmed from a growing discord with the President, particularly regarding key government policies.
At the outset, Gachagua supported President Ruto’s vision, but over time, his views began to shift, driven by the concerns voiced by the people he interacted with. He recalled how, at first, he believed in the President’s policy on affordable housing, considering it a worthy initiative. However, his support faltered when the government introduced the housing levy, a move that alienated many Kenyans who were already burdened with loans and were building their own homes. According to Gachagua, this shift in public sentiment led him to voice his concerns to President Ruto, but he found little receptiveness.
The former Deputy President further highlighted other points of contention, particularly the introduction of the Finance Bill 2024 and the university funding policies. He explained that when he spoke to parents and ordinary citizens, there was palpable dissatisfaction with these policies, especially the higher education funding structure. Gachagua claimed that when he brought these concerns to the President, Ruto remained resolute, asserting that once a government decision had been made, it should be followed through, regardless of public opinion.
Despite attempting to address these issues privately with Ruto, Gachagua found his concerns falling on deaf ears. He then made the bold decision to go public with his frustrations, which ultimately led to his impeachment. “I started talking in public, and that’s when things started to go south,” Gachagua explained.
He clarified that, despite the disagreements, he never considered himself equal to President Ruto. Instead, he emphasized his role as the President’s principal assistant, but one who felt compelled to voice the truth, even if it meant challenging the administration. Gachagua’s decision not to blindly agree with everything the President said, especially when it went against the people’s wishes, became a key point of friction.
Ultimately, Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment appears to have been a result of his insistence on speaking out against policies he believed were unpopular and, in some cases, detrimental to the public. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the fallout from this public rift between the former Deputy President and President Ruto remains a significant chapter in Kenya’s political history.
