One day I will expose you to everyone, Gachagua tells Ruto

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his intent to expose President William Ruto, claiming that the Head of State is not the ‘Christian’ he purports to be.

Speaking in an interview on NTV on Sunday, Gachagua expressed regret over working with Ruto, stating that their fallout stemmed from his questioning of unpopular policies that had angered the President.

Gachagua explained that he now understands why former President Uhuru Kenyatta had not supported Ruto in the 2022 presidential race, despite having served as Ruto’s deputy since 2013. Kenyatta instead backed opposition leader Raila Odinga, who narrowly lost to Ruto by a 200,000 vote deficit.

“Back then, I used to doubt the negative things Kenyatta would say about his deputy. But now, I’m happy that Ruto has confirmed them. I no longer have any doubt,” Gachagua said.

Having led the Mt Kenya region’s backing of Ruto in the 2022 election, Gachagua served as the Deputy President for two years before his impeachment on October 17, 2024.

He was replaced by Professor Kithure Kindiki. Despite the political upheaval, Gachagua insisted that he does not regret supporting Ruto, describing the experience as a painful but valuable lesson.

“I’m now convinced that Ruto is not a man I would deal with as a Christian,” Gachagua said.

“Given the chance again, I would treat him as a politician. He has given me the opportunity to serve, to learn, and to know him better. I will make sure the people of Kenya come to know who he truly is.”

Looking ahead, Gachagua said his political statements would start emerging in February after further consultations with stakeholders in Mt Kenya. He added that he would announce a roadmap for the 2027 presidential election, as President Ruto seeks a second term and Gachagua’s faction opposes him.

Possible alliance

He lauded Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, describing him as "someone we can collaborate with."

He added that discussions are ongoing, with their communities actively engaging with Kalonzo and integrating him into their cultural group.

"We certainly have no issues working with him," he said.

During the interview, Gachagua also criticised Ruto’s leadership, accusing the president of running a one-man government that prioritises racketeering. He warned that Ruto’s government had only one year to redeem itself, noting that the economy was not performing as the president claimed.

“The economy is not working as he says. Ask around the business community and you will hear a different story. The government should not tell us how the economy is performing; the people are the ones who should feel the effects,” Gachagua said.

The Ex DP also raised concerns about the president’s handling of high-budget projects, including the controversial Adani deals. He criticised the government for bypassing a more cost-effective upgrade to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) infrastructure in favour of a more expensive Social Health Insurance Fund, which he claimed was leading to more frustration for patients and families.

“I don’t understand why they chose to go for a project that cost Sh104 billion when a simpler upgrade could have been done for Sh700 or Sh800 million,” Gachagua said.

He also expressed deep concern about what he called a culture of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances, which he alleged were carried out by state agencies.

He revealed that these issues had prompted him to hold a parallel address on June 26, 2024, in response to Gen Z protests that followed President Ruto’s address.