I no longer have access to the President's diary, Gachagua reveals
National
By
Esther Nyambura
| Sep 21, 2024
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he was removed from the President's official WhatsApp group, "The President's Diary," a platform essential for coordinating his schedule with the President’s engagements.
Gachagua claims that this exclusion, which also affected his Chief of Staff and Private Secretary, has left them in the dark, making it increasingly difficult for him to fulfill his duties effectively.
The diary, Gachagua explained, plays a critical role in ensuring he stays updated on state functions and aligned with the President’s activities.
He expressed concern that his removal is part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining his role, orchestrated by individuals seeking to have him impeached for allegedly failing to attend state functions — absences he insists are the result of his exclusion from the group.
"I was removed from the President's diary so that when I don't attend presidential events, it can be claimed that I am avoiding my duties. Sometimes they even want me to arrive late so it looks disrespectful. This has made my work very complicated," Gachagua said.
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He added, "Initially, I thought it was petty, but now that the mischievous State House bloggers are saying I am absconding duties, I think it's important to let Kenyans know."
His remarks follow growing political tension, with murmurs of a possible impeachment gaining traction.
Impeachment motion
In recent days, pressure has mounted on the DP, prompting him to break his silence and make a passionate appeal to President William Ruto.
"It looks like there is a jinx in this office of the Deputy President because even Ruto went through the same. But he gave a commitment that his deputy will never be disrespected. In the first year, they accorded me respect; the second year Ministers are abusing me in the presence of the President."
Gachagua, in a heartfelt statement, urged the President to intervene, stating that allowing such a move would not only betray the promises made to his family but also to the people of Kenya who voted for their leadership.
"I am asking the President to keep his promise and stop those people who are intimidating his deputy. Be a good man... be a good Christian. You gave me that promise in front of my wife and children."
Addressing the issue publicly on Citizen TV, Gachagua emphasised that his focus remains on fulfilling the Kenya Kwanza government’s vision, and any attempt to impeach him would destabilize their progress.
"Mr. President, please allow me to work for the remaining three years. Keep your promise, Mr. President. What is happening is not right."
According to Gachagua, the attacks on him are being spearheaded by people close to the President, whom he termed as "mischievous."
He expressed concern that these individuals may be undermining the government’s agenda and sowing discord within the administration.
Gachagus's remarks come at a time when the political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile, with key players and factions reportedly plotting behind the scenes.
According to Gachagua, these efforts are futile and foolish, allegedly as described by the President.
However, the DP admits that if an impeachment motion materializes, it would imply that the President has given it his approval, as per internal agreements within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In his words, if he is impeached, it will mean that the President has played a role in it.
However, a hopeful Gachagua remains adamant that his commitment to serving the country stands firm.
As the whispers of impeachment grow louder, Gachagua stays resolute, holding onto the hope that the President will remember the bond they once shared and the trust placed in their hands by millions of Kenyans.
In the face of what feels like betrayal, it's a cry for loyalty, not just from the Head of State, but from a friend.
His words reflect the strain of navigating the turbulent waters of political maneuvering—a man holding tightly to the promises made before his family and the nation.
"The President has made many promises to the people of Kenya, but there is a promise that requires nothing. It requires him to be a gentleman and keep the promise that under his presidency, his deputy will not be persecuted or harassed. That, I think, he owes the people of Kenya—to honor that promise," said Gachagua.