The Standard has established that the political alliance between President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has fallen apart beyond repair. The root of their conflict lies in disputes over billions of shillings and unmet campaign promises.
According to insiders, these issues have damaged the once strong bond between the two allies, who had joined forces to challenge state power and lead one of the country’s most remarkable campaigns.
During the height of the UDA campaigns, Ruto, financially strained by his then-boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, was in urgent need of funds. Insiders claim Gachagua contributed Sh2 billion to sway the decision in his favor over Kithure Kindiki, who had recently stepped back from running for Tharaka Nithi governor.
While some dismiss this amount as exaggerated, it’s said that Kindiki, a two-term senator, lacked the financial backing that Gachagua had.
The Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate chose Gachagua due to financial considerations, despite the fact that 26 Members of Parliament from Mount Kenya had supported Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate. Kindiki was the more potent opponent of Martha Karua, the nominee of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The President, Gachagua’s boss, is said to have quietly orchestrated his downfall, but at the core of his unworkable conflicts with him is his need to see a return on his investments, according to sources.
âUpon ascending to the presidency, Gachagua wanted to bite more than he could chew. Critics now say he wanted to recover the money he had invested during the election without being content with his seat and this is at the heart of the fight with his boss,â a source intimated.
By Standard