President Ruto revealed the reasons behind his failed relationship with former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua. He stated that Gachagua tried blackmailing him for 10 billion shillings. Ruto claims the former deputy threatened to limit Ruto to a single presidential term without this payment. Gachagua supposedly needed these funds to boost Ruto's popularity throughout the Mt Kenya region.
Ruto discussed these issues during an interview with Mt Kenya media outlets on Monday night. He clarified that Mt Kenya politicians decided to oust Gachagua themselves. Ruto stressed that his signature appears nowhere on the documents removing Gachagua from office. The president selected Gachagua as his running mate even though warning signs existed early.
Mt Kenya representatives strongly opposed Gachagua from the beginning, Ruto explained. These lawmakers gathered to select a running mate when Ruto requested their input. Their voting process resulted in Kindiki earning 27 votes and Gachagua receiving only five. Ruto overruled their clear preference, explaining he wanted someone approximately his age to better relate with constituents.
Gachagua committed multiple political mistakes after their election, Ruto asserted. He constantly intimidated lawmakers from Mt Kenya who refused to back him. Gachagua frequently criticized team members, including Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet, Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung'wah. Gachagua reportedly warned that representatives who refused to show complete loyalty would find themselves jobless by December when Ruto confronted him.
The former deputy never publicly defended their administration's projects, Ruto highlighted. He recalled his previous role serving under President Kenyatta, where he regularly participated in television interviews promoting government initiatives. Gachagua headed the development programs committee with complete access to administration decisions but hardly ever discussed these efforts with media outlets or citizens, Ruto maintained.
Ruto discussed these issues during an interview with Mt Kenya media outlets on Monday night. He clarified that Mt Kenya politicians decided to oust Gachagua themselves. Ruto stressed that his signature appears nowhere on the documents removing Gachagua from office. The president selected Gachagua as his running mate even though warning signs existed early.
Mt Kenya representatives strongly opposed Gachagua from the beginning, Ruto explained. These lawmakers gathered to select a running mate when Ruto requested their input. Their voting process resulted in Kindiki earning 27 votes and Gachagua receiving only five. Ruto overruled their clear preference, explaining he wanted someone approximately his age to better relate with constituents.
Gachagua committed multiple political mistakes after their election, Ruto asserted. He constantly intimidated lawmakers from Mt Kenya who refused to back him. Gachagua frequently criticized team members, including Dennis Itumbi, Farouk Kibet, Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung'wah. Gachagua reportedly warned that representatives who refused to show complete loyalty would find themselves jobless by December when Ruto confronted him.
The former deputy never publicly defended their administration's projects, Ruto highlighted. He recalled his previous role serving under President Kenyatta, where he regularly participated in television interviews promoting government initiatives. Gachagua headed the development programs committee with complete access to administration decisions but hardly ever discussed these efforts with media outlets or citizens, Ruto maintained.
