President William Ruto fired back at his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, in a sensational rant while responding to his former number two’s viral Tiktok Live tirade.
Ruto, during a visit to Busia County on Thursday, addressed residents as he took aim at Gachagua for allegedly practising what he termed as divisive politics.
The president, in an untamed rant, appeared to suggest that the main reason Gachagua was ousted was because he was using politics along tribal lines to further his agenda.
“All those corrupt and incompetent leaders who play tribal politics have no place in this government,” Ruto told Busia residents. “That is why you saw the leaders who were acting selfishly in government ushered out.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua signing a document on Sunday, January 19, 2025. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
President Ruto also jibed at Gachagua’s new political strategy, referring to the former DP’s numerous meetings with leaders at his Wamunyoro residence.
He added, “They’re now trying to lecture us in the bushes. Because of ethnicity and negative personal things, you want to lecture us on the direction we should take.”
Finally, the President recalled Gachagua’s past comments on Kenya being a company with shares as he issued a rejoinder saying, “This Kenya is not about shares, this Kenya belongs to all of us.”
During his Busia tour, Ruto launched the construction of the KSh470 million Alupe Dam, which the government projects will benefit 100,000 people upon completion.
Ruto’s comments came just hours after Gachagua went on social media with another live critique of the Kenya Kwanza Government. On this occasion, the former DP focussed on the contentious new Social Health Authority which he claims was chosen by the President at the expense of a much cheaper model.
According to him, Kenya Kwanza’s initial plan was to reduce family healthcare contributions from Ksh500 to Ksh300 while expanding coverage to include all illnesses and chronic conditions.
“The program was good in concept, but the implementation has been very wanting. It was rushed without sufficient consultation with stakeholders,” Gachagua noted.
Gachagua was also adamant Ruto had lost grip on the Mount Kenya voting bloc, regardless of the appointments the president made in his Kenya Kwanza government.
A collage of President William Ruto (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left).
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke