The Rift Between Kenya’s President and Deputy Deepens
Nairobi, Kenya – The relationship between President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua has taken a turn for the worse, with the latter’s continued absence from state events sparking growing speculation about a possible impeachment. The latest incident saw Gachagua skip the investiture of the new Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.
High-profile attendees at the event included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and other leading security officials. However, Gachagua’s absence has become a recurring theme, with the Deputy having missed a chance to welcome President Ruto during a church event in Nyeri last weekend.
The rift between the two leaders has been building for some time, with President Ruto publicly rebuking Gachagua for allegedly kickstarting early 2027 campaign efforts. The Deputy’s defiance has only grown, with him hinting at revealing details about the political maneuvering in the country.
"I am not foolish. In the fullness of time, one day I will speak up and let the whole world know the truth," Gachagua said during a past event at his home backyard.
The situation is far from stable, with some Members of Parliament reportedly scheming to impeach Gachagua. This would be an unprecedented move, given President Ruto’s earlier pledge to prevent any mistreatment of his deputy during the campaigns.
The self-styled "truthful man" has already been rejected by some Mt. Kenya leaders, who have distanced themselves from him as the region’s kingpin. Instead, they have thrown their support behind Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as their link to the Executive and, by extension, President Ruto.
Despite the tensions, Gachagua remains defiant, and observers agree that the situation is far from resolved.
