“I Nearly Slapped Ruto at the Airport” – Gachagua Reveals Heated Fallout

File image of Rigathi Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed he nearly slapped President William Ruto just days before an impeachment motion was tabled against him.

Speaking on Friday, February 20, Gachagua alleged that Ruto publicly reprimanded him at the airport while he was seeing him off to China.

He said the confrontation escalated in the presence of Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei and other leaders.

“We were at the airport alongside CDF Kahariri, Chief of Staff Felix Koskei and other leaders when he started insulting me, making unprintable remarks,” Gachagua stated.

“I asked him why he opted to do so in front of them instead of calling me aside and solving the issues man-to-man. I am older than him by a year and therefore demand respect from him because I am also a leader,” he added.

Gachagua was responding to questions from Rift Valley-based media houses who sought to know why his once-close working relationship with the President ended in bitterness.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party leader claimed the fallout was fuelled by what he described as disrespect from Ruto’s close allies. He singled out Farouk Kibet and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, accusing the President of defending them despite allegedly misleading him.

He further released an audio recording of a conversation with Sudi in which, he claimed, the legislator insulted him.

Gachagua also criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, terming him inexperienced for the role.

“Murkomen does not understand himself and is very incompetent. He has not matured mentally. The Interior Ministry needs a mature person,” Gachagua said, referencing former holders of the docket including George Saitoti, John Michuki and Joseph Nkaissery.

He added that Murkomen should have resigned following a security breach in Wajir, questioning the potential risk had the situation involved a suicide bomber.

The former Deputy President maintained that he holds no grudge against the Kalenjin community, insisting his disagreement is solely with President Ruto.