Gachagua trolls Ruto as rift gets uglier over ‘cesspool of corruption’

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, recently impeached following a bruising parliamentary battle, launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto and his inner circle, accusing them of presiding over rampant corruption and deceiving the public.
Speaking at the Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, Gachagua did not mince words, labeling Ruto’s government a “disgrace” and claiming it had abandoned the promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 General Elections.
In a fiery speech delivered before a crowd of DAP-K members and supporters, Gachagua painted a picture of betrayal, alleging that the current administration was “neck-deep in scandals” while ordinary citizens were left to grapple with a rising cost of living.
“This government has failed Kenyans,” Gachagua declared, his voice rising with emotion. “Ruto stood on platforms across this nation, promising to fight corruption and uplift the ordinary mwananchi. What do we see today? Mega scandals, backroom deals, and a government that thrives on lies.”
The former DP’s remarks come barely a week after  Ruto accused him of gross misconduct and misuse of office—charges he vehemently denies and attributes to a political witch hunt orchestrated by Ruto allies.
Gachagua, who has been a staunch critic of President Ruto since their fallout in mid-2024, accused the administration of abandoning the very people who voted them into power.
“This is not the government of the hustlers we talked about in 2022,” he said, referring to Ruto’s populist campaign that championed the common citizen.
“This is a government of elites, by elites, for elites. Corruption is no longer hidden; it is celebrated in boardrooms and executive meetings.”
He specifically pointed fingers at unnamed cabinet secretaries and close Ruto allies, alleging they had enriched themselves through dubious procurement deals and inflated government projects.
“I will not sit back and watch this country go to the dogs,” Gachagua said, pounding the lectern for emphasis. “Kenyans deserve better. They deserve leadership that is honest, not leaders who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
Gachagua’s remarks have further fueled speculation about his political future, with some analysts suggesting he may be angling to challenge Ruto in the 2027 presidential race. His alliance with DAP-K, an opposition party, is seen as a strategic move to build a platform for his ambitions.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who was present at the event, praised Gachagua’s “courage” and vowed to work with him to hold the government accountable.
“We welcome Mr. Gachagua to the side of truth,” Wamalwa said. “This is not about political sides; this is about saving Kenya from the clutches of greed and dishonesty.”
Gachagua also addressed the allegations that led to his impeachment, dismissing them as “trumped-up charges” designed to silence him.
“They thought removing me from office would end my political career,” he said, smiling wryly. “But I am here, and I will continue to speak for Kenyans. The truth will always prevail.”
“To some extent I agree of being incompetent. I was incompetent because I couldn’t defend Adani deals and fake projects relaunched. I refused to be part of his praise and worship team that’s why he is bitter,”Gachagua beefed up his onslaught.
Gachagua sentiments have been facing backlash from Ruto point man ,Kimani Ichung’wah who once described him as “black man with black heart”.
The National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani  has in many occasions,dismissed Gachagua’s comments as “sour grapes” from a man who failed to deliver in office.
“Rigathi Gachagua was impeached because of his own actions,” Ichung’wah said in a statement. “He should focus on clearing his name instead of hurling baseless accusations at the president.”
UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala echoed similar sentiments, accusing  Ruto and his allies of attempting to distract the public from his own failures.
“Mr. Ruto is trying to rewrite history, but Kenyans know the truth,” Malala said. “This government is  not committed to fighting corruption and delivering on its promises.”
Moreover , Netizens and some civil society groups have rallied behind Gachagua, calling his remarks a wake-up call for the Ruto administration.
“Rigathi Gachagua has spoken what many Kenyans are feeling,” said a trending tweet on X .“This government needs to refocus its priorities and address the real issues affecting citizens.”
“Gachagua is no saint, but he’s saying what many of us are thinking,” wrote one user on Twitter
Political analysts say Gachagua’s speech is likely to deepen divisions within the political landscape, especially within the ruling United Democratic Alliance  party.
“Rigathi Gachagua’s fallout with Ruto is emblematic of a larger rift within UDA,” said political commentator Mutahi Ngunyi. “His allegations, if substantiated, could significantly damage the president’s credibility.”
As the dust settles on his impeachment, Gachagua has positioned himself as a thorn in Ruto’s side, signaling that he intends to remain a formidable voice in Kenya’s political arena.
“I am not going anywhere,” Gachagua said in his closing remarks. “The fight for a better Kenya continues, and I will be on the frontlines.”
Whether his words resonate with the public or are dismissed as political theatrics remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Rigathi Gachagua is not backing down.