Gachagua’s impeachment ‘payout’: Who’s fooling who?

By Wanderi Kamau

The political drama surrounding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a new twist, with allegations of financial deals linked to his impeachment.

Accusations and counter-accusations between Gachagua and President William Ruto have left Kenyans questioning: Who is telling the truth?

The Sh10 billion political mobilization claim

On Monday, 13 March, Ruto alleged that Gachagua had demanded Sh10 billion for political mobilization in Mt Kenya, warning that failure to meet his demand would make him a one-term president.

“He told me, ‘If you don’t give me Sh10 billion for political mobilization, I will make sure you do not get a second term,’” Ruto claimed during a public rally. “I refused because I believe in integrity and transparency in governance.”

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a close ally of Ruto, echoed these claims on social media, alleging that Gachagua had been using financial demands as leverage to consolidate his power in the region.

However, Gachagua has strongly denied these accusations, dismissing them as propaganda aimed at tarnishing his reputation. “I have never asked for Sh10 billion from anyone. This is a smear campaign designed to justify my political downfall,” he responded in a statement on his social media pages.

The Sh250 million confidential fund controversy

On March 28, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa claimed that Gachagua had requested Sh250 million from Ruto for a ‘Confidential Fund’ when he was still Deputy President.

“I personally know that Gachagua demanded Sh250 million for ‘Confidential Fund’ while in office. When the request was denied, he started fighting the President,” Ichung’wa said.

Ichung’wa’s remarks fueled speculation that Gachagua had been using financial leverage to strengthen his influence within government circles. However, Gachagua dismissed Ichung’wa’s claims as falsehoods aimed at discrediting him.

The Sh2 billion ‘resignation’ offer

In an interesting twist, Gachagua had previously alleged that Ruto had offered him Sh2 billion to resign from his position as the DP. On February 4, 2025, he made the shocking revelation, stating that Ruto wanted him out of government in exchange for a hefty payout.

“I was called and told to step down. They offered me Sh2 billion to walk away, but I refused because I was elected by the people,” Gachagua declared at a political gathering.

This contradicts Ruto’s claim that Gachagua was the one making financial demands. If Gachagua was being paid to step down, why would he also be demanding funds from the President? This contradiction adds to the confusion about the real events leading to his impeachment.

Who is telling the truth?

With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, political analysts have weighed in on the matter.

Peter Kariuki, a veteran political commentator, believes that both Ruto and Gachagua could be distorting facts to serve their own political interests.

“This is a classic case of political brinkmanship. Both leaders are trying to control the Mt Kenya narrative. Ruto wants to paint Gachagua as a selfish politician, while Gachagua is trying to frame Ruto as someone who wanted to buy him out,” said Kariuki.

Political strategist Ken Wabomba suggests that the claims are part of a broader power struggle within the Kenya Kwanza government.

“There’s an internal war going on. These accusations are symptoms of a deeper political split within the ruling party. The real issue is not the money but control over the Mt Kenya vote bloc,” Wabomba stated.

The impeachment of Gachagua has only intensified the political heat, and as 2027 approaches, the stakes will only get higher.