Gachagua Dismisses Ruto’s Claims on Impeachment, Denies Ksh10B Demand

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted President William Ruto’s claims that his impeachment resulted from internal disputes with government officials and MPs.

In a statement on X on Monday, March 31, Gachagua dismissed allegations that he requested Ksh10 billion to mobilize support for Ruto in the Mt Kenya region. He accused the president of misleading Kenyans, calling the alleged falsehoods a threat to the nation and a sign of failed leadership.

“The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking,” Gachagua wrote.

His response came shortly after Ruto’s televised interview from Sagana State Lodge, where the president addressed Gachagua’s impeachment for the first time. Ruto stated that Gachagua’s conflicts with officials, including blogger Dennis Itumbi, PA Farouk Kibet, and MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung’wah, fueled his removal.

Despite Ruto’s attempts to mediate, tensions escalated, leading lawmakers to impeach Gachagua in October 2024. Ruto further claimed that Gachagua had demanded Ksh10 billion and warned he would make Ruto a one-term president if denied.

“I told him I wouldn’t do it. If that meant serving only one term, so be it,” Ruto said.

Gachagua was ousted over charges including abuse of office and tribalism, becoming the first deputy president removed under the 2010 Constitution.