Ruto Reveals Alleged Ksh 10 Billion Demand by Gachagua
President William Ruto has disclosed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allegedly tried to strong-arm him into paying Ksh 10 billion to secure political backing in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking at Sagana State Lodge during an interview with vernacular media stations from Mt Kenya, Ruto revealed that Gachagua warned him that his presidency would last only one term unless he met certain financial conditions.
“Gachagua told me that I would be a one-term President if I did not meet certain conditions. He asked for Ksh 10 billion to talk to the Mt Kenya region,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State emphasized that he refused to comply with the demand, even if it meant serving only one term. “I told him I would not do it. If it means one term, then so be it,” he added.
The revelations come amid growing political tensions, with some Mt Kenya leaders rallying behind Gachagua while others continue to support Ruto’s administration.
Ruto Defends Relaunching Uhuru’s Infrastructure Projects
Addressing criticism over his decision to relaunch projects initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto clarified that many of these infrastructure developments had stalled due to funding constraints.
“The Mau Mau roads had stalled when I took office. Over the past two years, I have reorganized the economy to ensure their completion,” he explained.
The reallocation of funds to complete these projects has been met with mixed reactions, with critics accusing the government of rebranding old projects while supporters argue that finishing stalled infrastructure is necessary for economic growth.
The rift between Ruto and Gachagua continues to deepen, with political analysts predicting major realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. The power struggle within the ruling coalition remains a significant factor in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.