Moses Kuria Says Gachagua’s Divisive Politics Led to His Ouster

President William Ruto’s senior economic adviser, Moses Kuria, has opened up about what he believes led to the downfall of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a televised interview, the outspoken politician detailed his friendship with the former Deputy President and his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, recalling how he was on good terms with the duo.

According to Kuria, things took a turn when Gachagua allegedly reneged on the promises he made as part of the Kenya Kwanza administration during the campaign period.

“Rigathi Gachagua is my friend. We served together; I was his boss in the Transport Committee in Parliament, where I was the Vice Chair, because I was his senior. His late brother was my friend. We campaigned together; we were on that truck together around the country campaigning for the Kenya Kwanza government,” Kuria narrated.

While insisting he had little to do with Gachagua’s impeachment, the former Gatundu South lawmaker claimed Gachagua’s hunger for power and divisive politics left Kenya Kwanza allies with no choice but to oust him.

Kuria is adamant that Gachagua was a divisive character who damaged the Mount Kenya bloc’s reputation.

He added, “I’m not a Member of Parliament anymore. Even when I was a minister, my impeaching authority was Parliament. So, when somebody goes out there and says, ‘By December, all of you will be dead men and women walking,’ is that very wise?”

Since Gachagua’s impeachment, the Kenyan political landscape has experienced dramatic shifts, with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki assuming the role of Deputy President. Gachagua, meanwhile, continues to be a thorn in President Ruto’s regime, consistently criticising the government on various issues.

More recently, the former Deputy President has been criticising the government over the issue of abductions, with his allies calling for the formation of a commission to investigate the worrying trend of disappearances involving government critics.

Meanwhile, the battle for supremacy in the Mount Kenya region is intensifying, with Gachagua keen to maintain his influence despite being out of government. Gachagua is expected to announce his next political move early in 2025.

“We will first build our own house,” the former Deputy President said in December 2024. “We have learned from past mistakes where we gave everything to Ruto. This time, we will engage with others, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and many more. Even Ruto is welcome to join the conversation.”

Ruto is reportedly working behind the scenes to win over the Mount Kenya bloc ahead of the 2027 polls.