Gachagua: Ruto the ‘greatest existential threat' to Kenya’

By Newsflash Correspondent

Moments after President William Ruto’s highly anticipated interview with Kikuyu TV and radio stations on Monday night, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack, calling Ruto “the greatest existential threat” to Kenya.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s claims made during the interview and accused him of habitual dishonesty.

“I am now convinced more than ever before, that pathological lying is a mental disorder. The greatest existential threat to our beloved country is outright lying to the people of Kenya without blinking and failure by a leader to put his team together to harmonise their lies. I weep for my country, Kenya,” Gachagua posted.

Ruto’s accusations

During the interview at Sagana State Lodge, Ruto alleged that Gachagua had demanded Sh10 billion from him for political mobilization in Mt Kenya.

The president claimed that after he refused to give in to the demand, Gachagua threatened to turn him into a one-term president.

“Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion from me to do political mobilization for me in Mt Kenya. When I refused, he threatened to make me a one-term president. I said it is okay,” Ruto said.

The president also accused his former deputy of constant conflicts with members of his inner circle, including blogger Dennis Itumbi, personal assistant Farouk Kibet, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Read more: Ruto: I am mentoring Ndindi Nyoro

“I had saved him twice from impeachment by MPs. He was colliding with everyone… I used to hold a case every week to solve his conflicts with different people,” Ruto claimed.

Growing rift

The latest war of words between the two former allies signals a deepening political fallout. Gachagua, once a staunch supporter of Ruto, has increasingly distanced himself from the president, accusing him of sidelining Mt Kenya leaders.

Political analysts argue that the ongoing spat could further divide the ruling coalition, with Gachagua positioning himself as a defender of Mt Kenya’s political interests.