Kenya’s former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, spoke out on Sunday, accusing President William Ruto of cruelty and expressing fear for his life. Gachagua, popularly known as “Riggy G,” was recently impeached by the Senate on five out of 11 charges, though the process to replace him has been temporarily halted by a court order.
In a press statement, Gachagua revealed that his security had been withdrawn and his staff placed on leave. “I’m stunned by the brutality of a man I supported to become president, who is now turning on me so viciously,” he said, speaking from Nairobi after being discharged from the hospital for severe chest pains.
He warned that if anything happens to him or his family, President Ruto should be held responsible, referencing past alleged attempts on his life through poisoning. Gachagua fell ill shortly before he was supposed to testify during the Senate impeachment hearings, where he was ultimately found guilty of threatening judges and using divisive ethnic politics, but cleared of corruption charges.
In the aftermath of the impeachment, President Ruto swiftly nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s replacement. However, a High Court suspended the appointment, pending a hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Gachagua criticized the withdrawal of his security, calling it a violation of the court order and a sign of the president’s hostility towards him.
“I can’t understand this level of aggression towards someone who helped you win the presidency,” Gachagua said, expressing his disbelief at Ruto’s actions, especially as he battles health issues.
President Ruto has not commented directly on the impeachment but made a public call on Sunday for unity and the promotion of national values, without mentioning his deputy. He urged Kenyans to fight against division and tribalism, speaking at a Mashujaa Day event, a national holiday honoring those who fought for Kenya’s independence.
Gachagua, a key political figure from the influential Kikuyu tribe, was instrumental in securing votes for Ruto in the 2022 election. His ousting marks the first time a deputy president has been removed under Kenya’s revised constitution. Some analysts suggest that his downfall may have been due to his ambition and refusal to submit to the president’s leadership.
