Gachagua: I'm being betrayed by those I trusted most

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended himself against allegations of gross misconduct, violation of the constitution and graft saying the accusation are lame but that he will respect Parliament’s decision on his potential impeachment. AT the same time he expressed confidence that the truth will eventually come to light.

Gachagua dismissed the accusations against him, saying he was saddened by the current political developments, just two years after their election, with many promises yet to be fulfilled for Kenyans.

He particularly criticised MPs from Rift Valley, who are leading the charge, despite his support for President William Ruto when he faced challenges under the previous regime, calling it the “greatest betrayal”.

He further noted that the Mt Kenya region had stood firmly with Ruto, and efforts to sway the people from the region to abandon the President had failed. According to Gachagua, MPs from Rift Valley should be the last people to support an impeachment move against him.

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“People are asking me, ‘You stood with Ruto when he was going through tough times.’ The last time I spoke with the President, he assured me that he would not allow such a thing to happen. It is now shocking that MPs from Rift Valley are leading the collection of signatures,” Gachagua said in a televised interview.

He reiterated that he had trusted Ruto so completely that there was no written agreement when they teamed up during the campaign, unlike others who had formalised their coalitions. Gachagua insisted that he holds no grievances against the President and has been faithfully fulfilling his duties.

“I believed in Ruto without any Memorandum of Understanding. People are asking how I could have believed in Ruto, and now the Deputy Speaker (Gladys Boss) is declaring that she will ensure my impeachment. I’m now in the hands of Senators and MPs, and I will respect their decision,” he said.

“I do not have the authority to make decisions for MPs; they are free to choose. MPs are elected by Kenyans, and my hope is that there will be public participation in this process.”

The Deputy President also denied any involvement in the Gen Z protests, stating that they were spontaneous. He argued that blaming him for the unrest was unjust, and urged respect from those criticising him.

“There are no fools left in Kenya. Rigathi is the Deputy President and Ruto the President, and we were elected on the same ticket. If I were to be removed, he would be too. The Gen Z protests occurred nationwide, including in Eldoret, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, and 35 counties. Everyone knows these protests were spontaneous,” Gachagua said.

“It was the Finance Bill and the cost of living that angered Kenyans, and this was clear. To blame me for it is unfortunate. Some are simply looking for a reason to tarnish my name and stir up anger, especially in the Rift Valley. Gen Z are our children, and when I said they should be listened to, the situation calmed down because their grievances deserved attention,” he added.

He recalled the numerous false accusations made against him when he aligned with Ruto, and expressed regret that the same situation is recurring now that he is Deputy President.

“I believe in God. My wife, children, and I pray a lot, and I trust that the truth will eventually emerge… We were elected on one ticket with Ruto by over 7.2 million people. I am saddened by what is happening. When I listen to Kenyans, they want the work to be done and for leaders to remain united,” he said.

He affirmed that he would not resign, stating that he and his legal team are prepared to counter the accusations against him, which he described as part of a well-orchestrated effort to discredit him.

Gachagua also dismissed rumours that his sons, Kelvin and Keith, had purchased the prestigious Tree Top Hotel in Aberdare National Park. He explained that his children do not conduct business with the government and had instead taken a loan to lease the hotel from Kenya Wildlife Services.

Regardless of what happens, he said, it would be recorded in history that he served as Deputy President, a role he said he was proud of.

“They have leased the hotel from KWS, not bought it. People are spreading rumours without knowledge; this hotel belongs to KWS and has been leased,” he clarified.

He recounted his earlier agreement with President Ruto that they would not allow Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga into the government. However, when discussions between them began, Gachagua decided to step back.

“When I saw Ruto and Raila with Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, I removed all barriers at State House because I could see that an agreement had been reached. I reflected on it and later apologised to former President Uhuru,” he said.

Gachagua acknowledged the need for a broad-based government and accepted this arrangement.