Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly refuted claims that he demanded Ksh.10 billion from President William Ruto after the 2022 General Election to help coordinate political activities in the Mt. Kenya region.
In a recent interview with KTN News, Gachagua labeled these accusations as unfounded and part of a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation, especially in his stronghold of Central Kenya.
He categorically denied any attempt to blackmail the President, arguing that if such an issue had existed, it would have been the first charge used during efforts to have him removed from office.
Gachagua also claimed that the impeachment narrative against him was a scheme orchestrated by President Ruto, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the then-Interior Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Additionally, Gachagua criticized the inconsistent explanations provided by Ruto’s allies regarding his removal. He pointed out that while the President and his team made various allegations about his performance, depending on the region, ranging from incompetence to corruption, none of these were brought up when they spoke in Mt. Kenya. Instead, they shifted to the claim that he had asked for Ksh.10 billion.
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The former Deputy President also dismissed suggestions that he was after financial gain from the President, stating that his support for Ruto's campaign was based on personal conviction.
He recounted how his financial backing of Ruto’s presidential bid led to significant challenges, including account freezes and business blockages by the previous administration.
Finally, Gachagua criticized a recent incident during Ruto’s tour of Central Kenya, where female dancers were reportedly given Ksh.8,000 each and told it was money he wanted to "keep to himself."
He called this narrative dishonest and manipulative.
