“Ruto Ordered My Elimination”: Gachagua Drops Bombshell -

By Daisy Okiring

May 19, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating a plot to eliminate him, warning that Ruto would be solely responsible should anything happen to him.

Speaking at a press briefing from his Karen residence on Monday afternoon, Gachagua alleged that he was trailed by multiple state security operatives while attending a church service in Gatanga, Murang’a County on Sunday. He claimed that a coordinated unit of officers intended to unleash poison-laced tear gas on him and his supporters during the service.

“I received credible intelligence that President Ruto had issued a directive for me to be dealt with — once and for all. A unit of 101 officers drawn from the NIS, GSU, regular police, and other state agencies was dispatched to execute this heinous plan,” Gachagua stated.

The embattled former deputy president, who was impeached in October 2024, further alleged that authorities planned to plant illegal firearms and contraband in his vehicles and those of allied leaders to frame them.

He also revealed that some of his personal bodyguards had been disarmed on what he termed as “dubious instructions from above,” despite possessing valid firearm licenses.

“This regime is panicking. They are trying to silence me because I have exposed rot in high places,” he said. “But I will not be intimidated. I speak for Kenyans who are fed up with abuse of power and selective justice.”

Gachagua dismissed any suggestion that he plans to back down from his criticism of the current administration, maintaining that he will continue to hold it accountable — regardless of threats.

His remarks come amid backlash over a recent interview in which he warned that rigging the 2027 General Election could lead to post-election violence more severe than the 2007 crisis. Over 1,100 people were killed and thousands displaced in the aftermath of that disputed election.

Clarifying those comments, Gachagua said on Monday that he had not incited violence but was merely sounding an alarm to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure free and fair polls.

“Let no one twist my words. I warned the IEBC not to bungle the election. The peace of this country depends on credible electoral processes,” he insisted.

Despite alleging that a plan is underway to arrest him, Gachagua said he has not received any formal summons or charges.

“If they want to arrest me, I am here. Let them come. No need to chase me down highways like a fugitive,” he said.

As political temperatures rise, Gachagua’s claims have reignited national debate over the use of state power, political dissent, and the fragility of democratic institutions ahead of the next elections.