- President William Ruto has addressed his rift with impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
- Ruto suggested that Gachagua was displeased with his choice to collaborate with Raila Odinga in establishing the broad-based government.
- He emphasized that he will not permit any leader in the country to promote divisive politics based on tribal affiliations.
President William Ruto has hinted at the reason for his fallout with embattled, impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
What caused the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua? Speaking in Turkana on Friday, October 25, the president suggested that the rift with Gachagua emerged when he initiated his broad-based government.
He implied that the impeached deputy president was resistant to the inclusion of members from the Raila Odinga-led ODM party in the government’s activities.
“There are people who got angry when I formed a government that unites Kenyans. Should I continue uniting Kenyans or not?” Ruto said.
He further stated that united Kenyans have the strength to overcome the challenges facing the nation.
“I am urging you to allow me to unite Kenyans so we can work together to build roads, to enhance water supply, ensure there is proper power supply and the health sector is improved,” he said.
Ruto also appeared to criticise Gachagua’s regionally focused politics centered on Mt. Kenya, asserting he would not permit division in the country.
“We have no business with tribalism. We have no business with people who want to divide the country. I even formed a new government that unites all Kenyans,” he asserted.
President William Ruto: Ati kuna watu wamekasirika kwa sababu niliunda serikali ya kuunganisha Wakenya.#KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/Z9whzsoJUZ
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) October 25, 2024
Why was Gachagua impeached? Gachagua faced impeachment primarily due to allegations that included promoting tribal politics, abuse of office, and constitutional violations, among other charges. His impeachment unfolded late at night after he was hospitalized due to a sudden and severe chest pain. Despite the impeachment process, the courts intervened by issuing conservatory orders to halt his impeachment and prevent deputy president nominee Kithure Kindiki from assuming his position. Meanwhile, Gachagua continued to emphasize the importance of unity in Mt. Kenya, a key issue that contributed to the calls for his impeachment.