Kenya’s political scene has always been known for its high stakes, intense rivalries, and dramatic twists, but the recent allegations by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have taken the country by storm. In an extraordinary turn of events, Gachagua revealed sensational details about alleged assassination attempts and a deep rift between him and President William Ruto, marking a severe breakdown of trust at the highest levels of Kenyan leadership. Speaking from Karen Hospital on Sunday, Gachagua’s explosive claims outlined a narrative of betrayal, power struggles, and survival, thrusting him further into the spotlight.
The Alleged Assassination Plots
Gachagua did not mince words when he addressed the media, sharing harrowing accounts of two assassination attempts that he claimed were orchestrated by state machinery. His first allegation centered around an incident that occurred in Kisumu on August 30. According to Gachagua, undercover security agents infiltrated his hotel room, bugged it, and attempted to poison his food. “We detected the scheme and escaped,” he revealed, describing the plot as an effort to kill him through food poisoning.
Barely a week later, on September 3, Gachagua alleged that a second attempt was made on his life. This time, it was in Nyeri, where he claimed National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents tried to poison food meant for him and members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders. The proximity of these two alleged assassination attempts raised serious concerns about Gachagua’s security and the lengths to which his enemies were willing to go to silence him.
These assassination claims were framed within the context of Gachagua’s impeachment, which he suggested was a reaction to his thwarting of these attempts on his life. He accused powerful forces within the government of seeking to eliminate him physically after failing to do so politically.
Gachagua’s Impeachment and Strained Relationship with President Ruto
Gachagua’s impeachment marked a historic moment in Kenyan politics, as he became the first sitting Deputy President to be removed from office. In a Senate vote following a motion passed by the National Assembly, 236 MPs voted for his impeachment, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki named as his replacement. This move, however, has sparked a constitutional conflict, as courts are yet to make a final determination on the legitimacy of Gachagua’s ouster. Two courts, one in Kerugoya and another in Milimani, issued conservatory orders halting the implementation of the Senate’s decision, leaving Gachagua in a legal limbo.
As Gachagua fights for his political survival, he expressed deep frustration over what he described as President Ruto’s cruelty. Gachagua claimed that Ruto had withdrawn his security detail, disarmed his bodyguards, and left him vulnerable. “I did not know that President William Ruto could be that vicious,” Gachagua said. His security, he explained, had been removed from his homes in Karen and Nyeri, and even from his hospital room at Karen Hospital. The withdrawal of these protections, in Gachagua’s view, was a strategic move by Ruto to weaken him and render him powerless during this tumultuous period.
Allegations of Presidential Betrayal
Gachagua’s emotional speech laid bare the bitterness he feels toward his former ally, William Ruto. He expressed disbelief at the actions of a man he had supported unconditionally during the 2022 presidential election. “How cruel can a man be?” he asked, painting a picture of betrayal by someone he once considered a friend and political partner. Gachagua recalled how he stood by Ruto when other politicians insisted on signing written agreements before pledging their loyalty, a move he says was based on his faith and trust in Ruto.
According to Gachagua, their relationship began to sour over the past year, culminating in his impeachment. He pointed to several key issues that caused friction between them, including his opposition to deals involving Adani, forceful evictions, tax measures, and the controversial housing levy. Gachagua portrayed himself as the only member of Ruto’s Cabinet who was willing to stand up to the President and challenge his decisions. “I am the only man in Cabinet who can stand against the President. Nobody else can tell him off,” he said.
He alleged that his stance against these policies made him a target, with Ruto eager to remove him from the political scene and replace him with a more compliant deputy. “Ruto wanted me out of the way to appoint a puppet they can control,” Gachagua declared, suggesting that his impeachment was politically motivated to create space for a more docile figure in the Deputy President’s office.
The Constitutional and Legal Battle
As the courts deliberate on the legality of his impeachment, Gachagua remains defiant, asserting that he is still the rightful Deputy President of Kenya. He emphasized that the conservatory orders issued by the courts effectively halted the Senate proceedings and should guarantee his entitlements as the sitting Deputy President. “I am the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, yet I have no single security around me,” Gachagua lamented.
Beyond the withdrawal of his security, Gachagua also detailed other measures he believes were taken to cripple his office. He recounted how all vehicles assigned to his officers were impounded, leaving him without official transport. Furthermore, he revealed that he was barred from using any airports or helicopters, particularly during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale. “Wilson Airport was told that I should not go through the airport. All owners of private choppers were told that I should not be allowed to use any of them,” he said, describing these restrictions as part of a broader campaign to undermine his authority and mobility.
A Leadership in Crisis
The breakdown of the relationship between President Ruto and Gachagua signals a significant shift in the dynamics of Kenyan leadership. Gachagua’s revelations highlight the growing tensions within the ruling administration and raise questions about the stability of the government. His claim that Ruto is willing to go to extreme lengths to silence dissent, even within his own Cabinet, paints a picture of a leadership in crisis.
In the coming months, the fate of Gachagua’s political career will likely be determined by the courts. As he awaits the Judiciary’s decision, Gachagua remains resolute in his belief that he will be vindicated and restored to his rightful position. “I trust the Judiciary will deliver me justice in my fight for the second-most powerful job,” he said, confident that the legal system will recognize his claims and reinstate him as Deputy President.
However, the deep scars left by this political battle may prove difficult to heal. The once-close relationship between Gachagua and Ruto has been shattered, leaving both men on opposite sides of an increasingly bitter divide. As Gachagua fights to clear his name and restore his position, Kenya watches closely, knowing that the outcome of this battle will have profound implications for the country’s political future.
