Things are getting intense between Kenya’s President William Ruto and his former Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. On January 22, 2025, during an event in Vihiga County, Ruto didn’t hold back. He called Gachagua “incompetent,” “corrupt,” and “incapable of governance.” He also accused his former deputy of being a tribalist and highlighted the failed plans under Gachagua’s leadership.
Ruto didn’t mince words, blaming Gachagua’s removal from office on incompetence and corruption. “Their work flopped because of theft, conmanship, and hatred,” Ruto stated. He made it clear that Kenya would not tolerate such behavior.
But Gachagua isn’t staying quiet. Just before Ruto’s public remarks, Gachagua accused the president of instructing him on what to say at public events. “He would tell me what to say, but I stopped listening to him,” Gachagua said, painting a picture of Ruto controlling the narrative.
The back-and-forth between the two men is getting more heated. Gachagua has also blamed Ruto for his impeachment and betrayal of the Mt. Kenya region, a claim that has stirred up emotions among their supporters.
Oscar Sudi, a close ally of Ruto, defended the president. He claimed that there were multiple attempts to impeach Gachagua, but Ruto had intervened each time. “When the first impeachment was brought, the President returned it. The second one was brought, and the President also returned it,” Sudi said.
Sudi didn’t stop there. He dismissed Gachagua’s claims that Ruto had been writing his speeches, accusing Gachagua of trying to create divisions among Kenyans. “Do you want to say that Ruto has been writing for you what to say?” Sudi questioned.
Gachagua, however, is not backing down. He’s vowed to unite the Mt. Kenya region and lead them to power in the 2027 elections. “I will lead the Mt. Kenya region into government,” Gachagua said, expressing confidence that he could oust Ruto.
Ruto, on the other hand, remains confident in his leadership and believes his achievements will speak for themselves come 2027. “Kenya is united, and we are moving forward as one indivisible country,” Ruto assured his supporters.
This political drama is far from over. Will Gachagua’s ambitions shake Ruto’s presidency, or will Ruto maintain his position in the upcoming elections? The future of Kenya’s leadership is uncertain, and only time will tell.