- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to allegations that he demanded KSh 8 billion from President William Ruto in exchange for stepping down from his position.
- Gachagua dismissed claims that he angrily banged the table during a meeting with Ruto over his supposed resignation, labeling them as false.
- The impeachment motion against Gachagua, which is expected to be presented in Parliament on Tuesday, October 1, includes accusations of him allegedly threatening the president.
Did Rigathi Gachagua Demand KSh 8 Billion?
Speaking during an interview with local radio stations from Mt Kenya East on Sunday, September 29, Gachagua dismissed reports claiming he demanded KSh 8 billion as part of his resignation. He labeled the rumors that he banged the table during a meeting with Ruto as baseless.
The DP clarified that his focus is on serving Kenyans, not pursuing material wealth. Gachagua pointed out that if money were his driving force, he would have left Ruto during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime. He added that his children are already adults, and he has no desire to accumulate wealth.
“I have no interest in any benefits or money. If I wanted money, I would have been bought out by political opponents to part ways with President Ruto during the last regime, but I am not greedy. I don’t have many needs; my children are grown, and my wife is a pastor… I put Kenyans first, not money,” Gachagua said.
What Are the Charges Against Rigathi Gachagua?
As previously reported, those pushing for Gachagua’s impeachment have raised eight serious charges against him. One of the claims in the motion includes accusations that he banged the table during a meeting with President Ruto. Additionally, Gachagua has been accused of seeking compensation for every vote Ruto received in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region during the 2022 presidential elections.