Kenya: Impeached DP Gachagua Alleges Life Threats, Criticizes President Ruto

In his first public address following his impeachment by the Senate, Kenya’s former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has detailed a year of what he describes as relentless persecution by President William Ruto. Recently discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, Gachagua recounted his distressing experiences, highlighting his lack of security and alleging attempts on his life.

“I want Kenyans to know that as I return home, I have no security. If anything happens to me or my family, President Ruto must be held accountable,” he stated emphatically. Gachagua accused Ruto of violating a court order by withdrawing his security detail during a time when he was reportedly “fighting for his life.”

The Kenyan High Court has issued a temporary order to halt any replacement of Gachagua as Deputy President, adding a layer of legal complexity to his situation. Reflecting on the past year, Gachagua described it as a challenging period marked by significant stress and hardship. “What happened on Thursday (Oct. 17) is a culmination of continual persecution,” he said, adding that he endured “very difficult” circumstances.

Gachagua drew comparisons between his experiences and those of former politician Kenneth Matiba, who faced severe health issues following political persecution in the past. “President William Ruto wanted me to take the route Matiba took. He pushed Matiba to the brink, leading to a stroke and ultimately his death,” Gachagua claimed.

Allegations of an attempted assassination surfaced as Gachagua described two disturbing incidents. He recounted that on August 30, security agents allegedly infiltrated his room in Kisumu, bugging it and attempting to poison his food. “We detected the scheme and managed to escape,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

On September 3, he alleged that another team from the National Intelligence Service attempted to poison food intended for him and members of the Kikuyu council of elders in Nyeri. “This was a clear attempt on my life,” he asserted, revealing the depth of his fears and concerns.

After being hospitalized for what he described as a “life-threatening health condition,” Gachagua was discharged on October 20. He dismissed the 11 counts against him during the impeachment process as “nothing but malice and fiction,” labeling the trial a political maneuver by President Ruto to eliminate him from power.

“It was a political game by the president to get rid of me,” he stated, questioning Ruto’s intentions. Gachagua speculated that Ruto only required his support during the elections due to his ability to mobilize votes and the trust the Mount Kenya region placed in him.

“I believe my only crime was telling the truth as the only elected official in Ruto’s cabinet who could,” he said, underscoring his view that his honesty was a threat to Ruto’s agenda.

As of now, President Ruto has not publicly responded to Gachagua’s accusations. The situation remains tense as the former Deputy President navigates the aftermath of his impeachment and the ongoing challenges he faces.

Gachagua’s remarks have sparked widespread discussions among Kenyans, reflecting a divided public sentiment regarding his impeachment and the broader political climate in the country. Supporters argue that Gachagua is a victim of political machinations, while critics maintain that his actions warranted the Senate’s decision.

The ongoing tensions between Gachagua and Ruto illustrate the complexities of Kenyan politics, particularly in a landscape where alliances can shift rapidly. As Gachagua seeks to make his case to the public, the implications of his allegations may resonate beyond his personal situation, potentially influencing the political dynamics within the ruling party and the nation as a whole.

In conclusion, Gachagua’s claims not only reveal a personal battle but also highlight the intense rivalries and struggles within Kenya’s political sphere. The coming days may prove crucial as the public, lawmakers, and political analysts observe how these events unfold and whether they will lead to further upheaval in the country’s leadership.