Gachagua insists impeachment, threats prove he’s Kenya’s version of Donald Trump

By Newsflash Repoter

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has compared his political journey to that of former United States President Donald Trump, citing impeachment battles, persecution, and even assassination attempts as shared experiences.

Speaking during an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) while on a tour of the United States, Gachagua argued that, like Trump, his political troubles were not the result of wrongdoing but of standing firm for his principles.

He noted that Trump was impeached twice—first in 2019 and again in 2021—though the U.S. Senate did not convict him, allowing him to remain in office. Gachagua, however, was removed from his position as Deputy President last year following a highly charged impeachment process in Parliament.

Gachagua: “I was punished for standing for what is right”

In the interview, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of orchestrating his removal because of deep moral and political disagreements within government.

“The president had already made up his mind that he needed me out of office,” Gachagua said. “I am a practicing Christian, and there are certain things I could not agree to. I tried to persuade him privately that it was not right to kill young people simply because they were expressing themselves. When he refused to listen, I had to publicly disagree with him, and he decided that we could no longer work together.”

He further alleged that his refusal to compromise his faith and conscience mirrored Trump’s clashes with the U.S. establishment. “This is the same thing that happened to Donald Trump. He was impeached because of his principles and because he chose to do what was right for his people,” Gachagua stated.

Claims of assassination attempts and political pressure

Gachagua also claimed he has survived multiple assassination attempts both during and after his time in office. According to him, two attempts were made while he was Deputy President, with plots to poison his food. After leaving office, he alleged, four further attempts were made on his life by armed groups working with police protection.

“It has not happened because God has taken care of me. Again, it is a Trump experience,” he remarked.

During the 2024 U.S. elections, Trump himself survived assassination attempts, incidents that many analysts believe boosted his political standing among his supporters. Gachagua suggested that similar pressures and threats in Kenya have only strengthened his resolve and popularity.

He added that Kenyans across the country were urging him to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general elections. “The Kenyan people are looking for somebody truthful, someone with integrity, and a true believer in Christian teachings. They want someone who practices what he preaches,” he said, positioning himself as that candidate.

Eyeing 2027 amid calls for peaceful democracy

Despite rising political temperatures, Gachagua emphasized that any leadership change must come through democratic means. “Kenya is a constitutional democracy. We have elections every five years, and we must wait until August 10, 2027. Kenyans will go to the ballot and choose leaders who can take care of the country,” he said.

Labeling himself the “last line of defence against an oppressive regime,” Gachagua framed his candidacy as both a religious and moral obligation. His remarks come at a time of shifting alliances in Kenyan politics, with opposition groups and ruling party members already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.