Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shed light on the deterioration of his relationship with President William Ruto, describing their private disagreements as intense but rooted in governance concerns rather than personal animosity.
In an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora on July 31, 2026, Gachagua addressed claims of disrespect during his tenure, acknowledging that he sometimes banged the table or raised his voice during arguments with Ruto. He emphasized that such confrontations were typical between two leaders of similar stature debating important issues.
Key points from Gachagua's interview include:
- Both leaders exchanged harsh words during disputes, with Gachagua stating, "He was very abusive. If he abuses me, I answer back."
- He believed it was his constitutional and political duty to advise the President, citing their joint electoral mandate from the 2022 General Election.
- Gachagua warned that ignoring public concerns risked eroding trust in the government, but his advice was often disregarded.
- The relationship breakdown culminated in Gachagua's impeachment by Parliament in October 2024, charges he denies and is contesting in court.
After leaving office, Gachagua has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, building his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and seeking to unite opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election. He insists he remains a presidential candidate, pending the resolution of his legal challenges.
Gachagua’s revelations add depth to the narrative of a once-powerful political alliance between him and Ruto that unraveled amid disagreements over governance priorities, political appointments, and regional engagement.
