Ruto reveals Gachagua’s blackmail attempt in Sh10 billion dispute

President William Ruto has revealed the reasons behind his decision to distance himself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing internal disputes and allegations of blackmail.

In an interview on Monday, Ruto explained that governance had become difficult due to ongoing disagreements with Gachagua, which influenced his decision to work more closely with his successor, Kithure Kindiki.

Ruto detailed his challenges while working with Gachagua, highlighting that the former DP frequently clashed with government officials.

He pointed out that Gachagua was often engaged in conflicts with individuals such as blogger Dennis Itumbi, as well as politicians Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichungwa.

“I did not sign any papers to remove Rigathi Gachagua from office. He was involved in conflicts with individuals such as blogger Dennis Itumbi. The law was followed, and those who removed him, removed him. I nominated Rigathi Gachagua with my one vote. After the election, three things happened. First, we had challenges. There were small, small cases every day," Ruto stated.

"I asked him, you are the Deputy President of Kenya, why are you fighting with blogger Dennis Itumbi? Why are you fighting with government officials like Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichungwa? I told him these small wars, what are they for?” Ruto stated.

He further urged Gachagua to shift his focus toward serving the people rather than engaging in unnecessary disputes.

“I told Rigathi, let’s focus on working for the people of Kenya. Let’s stop with these petty disputes,” he said.

The president also disclosed that Gachagua had caused friction with members of Parliament, allegedly warning them that they would be ousted if they did not align with him politically.

According to Ruto, Gachagua told MPs, “Before December, if you don’t bow to me, you’ll go home.”

In response, the lawmakers reportedly vowed to resolve the situation before the year ended.

A key revelation in the interview was Ruto’s claim that Gachagua attempted to blackmail him by demanding Sh10 billion to secure political support in Mt Kenya.

“He told me, ‘I can make you a one-term president unless I get Sh10 billion to mobilize the people of Mt Kenya,’” Ruto recalled. “I told him I would not do that.”

Reflecting on his initial decision to pick Gachagua as his deputy, Ruto stated that the selection process initially favored Kithure Kindiki, who garnered 27 votes compared to Gachagua’s five.

However, he ultimately chose Gachagua to address concerns about the perception of his leadership team.

“Professor Kindiki got 27 votes, my friend Gachagua got 5 votes. But when they brought me the names, I told them let me think about it.

At the end, I persuaded them and told them that I’m accused of meeting young leaders, so that it doesn’t appear that we are only picking young leaders, I opted to pick Gachagua.”

The president also dismissed Gachagua’s accusations that his administration had failed to initiate development projects in the Mt Kenya region. He insisted that ongoing projects were proof of his government’s commitment.

“You have heard some leaders saying that Ruto is a liar, there is nothing he has done. I came here, not far from this State House, at Gatung’ang’a, where a road is being constructed, passing through Marua, Wambui, and Wamunyoro, where that man who is saying I have done nothing resides,” Ruto stated.

Previously, Gachagua had accused Ruto’s administration of failing to launch new projects in Mt Kenya, claiming that all ongoing initiatives were initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"All the projects here were launched by Uhuru Kenyatta; there is not even one of his projects,” Gachagua said.

“Therefore, when you come, tell us which projects you have done. The projects here were started by Uhuru Kenyatta, and you have refused to complete them. But don’t come and lie to the people of Mt Kenya.”

Despite these tensions, Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to development projects in the region, emphasizing that his government remains focused on delivering progress across the country.