Gachagua: "I coordinated Ruto’s secret meeting with RSF leader"

By Newsflash Repoter

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has sensationally claimed that he personally facilitated a meeting between President William Ruto and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, the commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday night, the former Deputy President alleged that the meeting was organized at Ruto’s request when Hemedti served as Sudan’s deputy president.

Gachagua: “Ruto Asked Me to Sign the Invitation”

According to Gachagua, the arrangement was made because diplomatic protocol did not allow President Ruto, as a sitting head of state, to extend a direct invitation to his Sudanese counterpart.

“President William Ruto has a working relationship with Hemedti, the leader of RSF. I am the one who facilitated the meeting between President William Ruto and Hemedti on his request, because diplomatically a President cannot invite a Deputy President to come and visit him,” Gachagua said.

He further revealed that he personally handled logistics for the high-profile visit. “Ruto called me and had a letter for me to sign to invite Hemedti. I picked him up at the airport, delivered him to Ruto, and sat through the discussion,” he stated.

Talks on Business, Trade and Gold

The former DP clarified that while the meeting was official, much of the conversation revolved around economic interests rather than diplomacy.

“It was official, but they were discussing business and trade — particularly gold. Initially, I did not know the purpose of the meeting,” he disclosed.

The remarks come at a time when U.S. lawmakers, led by Senator James Risch, have tabled an amendment bill seeking to review Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally. The proposal cites concerns about Nairobi’s foreign relations and alleged links to extremist networks.

Calls on Ruto to Answer Al-Shabaab Allegations

Gachagua also used the platform to press President Ruto to respond directly to allegations linking him to an alleged meeting with Al-Shabaab operatives in Mandera.

“President William Ruto answered on the issue of China; he has a mouth; he can answer whether he met Al-Shabaab or not. Kipchumba Murkomen is not the spokesman for William Ruto,” Gachagua said, dismissing Interior CS Murkomen’s defense that his comments were tarnishing the country’s image.

He reiterated that his criticism was aimed at the President, not Kenyan citizens. “After I asked Ruto to explain about the alleged meeting he had with Al-Shabaab in Mandera, some leaders accused me of calling the people of Mandera terrorists. That is false. The people of Mandera are innocent and have nothing to do with these accusations,” he clarified.

“I Have Evidence,” Gachagua Insists

The DCP leader maintained that he possesses credible information relevant to ongoing investigations in Washington. However, he said he would only cooperate with the proper authorities if formally asked.

“I have a lot of information that is available to those investigating the matter. It is a matter in the U.S. Senate, not Kenya. I will not volunteer information to a body that is not investigating the matter,” he declared.

His comments add fuel to an already heated debate about Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto, which has faced scrutiny both at home and abroad.

Rising Political Tensions

The revelations are expected to escalate the already strained relations between Ruto and his former deputy. Analysts say the claims may also complicate Kenya’s diplomatic standing, particularly with the U.S., a key partner in security and trade.

“This is a serious allegation,” said international relations scholar Dr. Peter Kagwanja. “If confirmed, it could damage Kenya’s credibility at a time when the country is seeking deeper global partnerships. It also reflects the deepening political fallout between Ruto and Gachagua.”