Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a past interview. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has, for the first time, given a detailed account of why his once-solid relationship with President William Ruto has collapsed, exposing deep cracks at the heart of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking during a tell-all interview with Yvonne Okwara on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Monday night, Gachagua — now the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) — revealed that his once-close relationship with Ruto collapsed soon after they assumed office. He alleged that the president sidelined him, abandoned campaign pledges, and presided over what he termed a regime “driven by greed and deceit.”
“I Stood With Him When No One Else Did”
The former Deputy President retraced his political journey with Ruto, describing himself as one of the few senior leaders who risked everything to back him in the run-up to the 2022 general elections.
Gachagua recalled the unity that defined the Kenya Kwanza campaign, describing how he and Ruto spent months strategising together. However, he claimed things changed drastically after their election victory.
“We went into government as brothers, united for the people of Kenya. But the moment we settled in, the president chose a different path — one of betrayal and self-interest,” he said.
According to Gachagua, Ruto not only cut him out of decision-making but also used state machinery to diminish his influence. “I was reduced to a bystander in a government I helped form. The Office of the Deputy President was systematically weakened, budgets slashed, staff intimidated. This was deliberate,” he claimed.
Isolation and humiliation
The former deputy president said his humiliation was not just political but also personal. He narrated instances where senior government officials took instructions from State House to sideline him during official duties.
“Cabinet Secretaries who should have been reporting to me were told never to take my calls. Regional meetings were convened behind my back. I became an unwanted guest in my own office,” he lamented.
Gachagua accused Ruto of turning their fallout into a public spectacle. “The isolation was meant to break me. They thought humiliating me would silence me, but I am not that kind of man,” he added.
Broken campaign promises
Central to the fallout, Gachagua said, was the government’s departure from the promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 campaign. He cited the high cost of living, excessive taxation and growing public debt as proof that Ruto’s administration had abandoned ordinary citizens.
“We told Kenyans that we were the hustlers’ government. We promised affordable food, jobs for the youth, dignity for farmers. Instead, what we have is a regime taxing people into poverty and enriching a few cartels,” he declared.
Gachagua insisted that he raised these concerns privately with the president but was met with hostility. “Whenever I questioned policies that hurt Kenyans, I was labelled an enemy, a rebel. The truth is, I stood for the people while he stood for himself,” he said.ht to form.”
Cost of Living and Hustler Promises
One of the biggest sticking points, Gachagua revealed, has been the government’s response to the rising cost of living. He said that while he wanted immediate interventions to cushion ordinary Kenyans, the administration leaned more toward long-term mega projects and international lobbying.
“We promised mama mboga, boda boda riders, and hustlers that life would be affordable. Yet today, unga is still high, fuel is still expensive, and taxes are choking businesses,” Gachagua said.
He argued that he has been branded a rebel simply because he insisted on the government staying true to its original campaign promises. “This is not about me. It is about ordinary Kenyans who believed in us. If we betray them, then what did we fight for?”
Tensions Over Mt. Kenya Politics
The former Deputy President also addressed what has become the most politically charged issue — the future of Mt. Kenya in the Ruto administration.
“There is an attempt to paint me as tribal for defending my people,” Gachagua said. “But let us be honest: Mt. Kenya carried this government on its back in 2022. They deserve respect and recognition.”
He insisted that his defense of Mt. Kenya does not mean he is undermining Ruto but rather ensuring equity. “I cannot and will not abandon my people. If standing with Mt. Kenya is wrong, then I will proudly be wrong.”
Rare Communication With Ruto
Pressed on whether he still talks to the President, Gachagua admitted that communication become rare.
“We used to talk every day during campaigns. After assuming office, we could go for weeks without a word,” he revealed. “The friendship and camaraderie were gone. What remained was only the official relationship of President and Deputy President.”
Still, he maintained that he harbored no bitterness.
On alleged bribery at State House
The DCP leader also repeated explosive claims that President Ruto has been bribing Members of Parliament and Senators to back controversial bills. He described State House as “a crime scene” where public resources are misused to buy loyalty.
“Legislators are summoned at night and leave with brown envelopes. That is not governance — that is corruption at the highest level,” he alleged, insisting he had evidence to back his claims.
Launching his own movement
Gachagua said his decision to speak out marked the beginning of a new political journey under the Democracy for the Citizens Party. He described the party as a platform for “truth, justice and accountability” and invited disillusioned Kenyans to join him.
“I will not keep quiet as our country is auctioned. DCP is the new home for every Kenyan who believes in honesty, fairness and service. This is not about Rigathi Gachagua — it is about reclaiming Kenya,” he said.
The former DP emphasised that he harboured no regrets about breaking ranks with Ruto, noting that silence would have made him complicit in what he termed “the regime’s betrayal.
Standing firm despite threats
Gachagua claimed that since going public with his criticism, he has faced intimidation and surveillance but vowed not to be silenced.
“They have tried to threaten me, to scare me with investigations and harassment. But I would rather die standing than live on my knees,” he said defiantly.
He added that his conscience is clear: “I did not betray Ruto. It is Ruto who betrayed me, betrayed our supporters, and betrayed Kenya.” no regrets supporting William Ruto. I believed in him, and I believed in the cause. But loyalty should not be a one-way street.”
Will Gachagua Run in 2027
While Gachagua avoided giving a direct answer on whether he would contest the presidency in 2027, his remarks hinted at political ambition.
“I am not consumed by 2027,” he said. “I am consumed by the present, by ensuring that Kenyans get what they were promised. But if people continue to be betrayed, the future will take care of itself.”
He added that for now, his focus remains on holding the government accountable. “This country belongs to all of us, not to a few individuals. We must never forget that.”
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