Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi shed light on his falling out with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, revealing a deeper rift between President Ruto and his deputy. Speaking to Inooro TV, Wamumbi clarified that their disagreement was unrelated to Gachagua's campaign against illicit liquor.

Wamumbi explained that the dispute arose when Gachagua suggested they abandon the current leadership and regroup for the 2027 general election. Despite having a good relationship with the Deputy President, Wamumbi's advice was dismissed during a meeting at Gachagua's home on May 25, 2024, which lasted from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.


"I was the only person he met that day. We talked for hours, and I tried to tell him that his advisers were misleading him, just as they had misled another president," Wamumbi said. He accused Gachagua of betraying his agreement with Ruto ahead of the 2022 elections.

Wamumbi revealed that Gachagua had introduced him to Ruto before the 2022 elections and had a gentleman's agreement with Ruto on how positions would be shared. "Gachagua told me he was not going to have a written agreement with President Ruto because he trusted him," the MP stated. "He told us that after we won the election, he would then go to the President with a list of seats that would benefit the Central Kenya people."

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After the elections, Gachagua presented Ruto with a list of demands, securing key positions in Kenya's power structure. The deputy president sought nine significant seats for the benefit of the Central Kenyan people, including roles in Agriculture, Finance, Security, Water, Lands, Public Service, Secretary to the Cabinet, Central Bank Governor, and Attorney General.

Wamumbi urged Gachagua to stay within the government and utilize the 10 out of 26 cabinet positions they already had to benefit the Mt. Kenya region. "I begged him that we stay in government since we already have enough seats. We should work using what we have," he added. Despite their personal differences, Wamumbi acknowledged Gachagua's significant impact on his life but emphasized that he still had his own opinions on the country's leadership.