Kenya: Ruto Calls Gachagua 'Chief Extortionist' in Fresh Attack

What the report says

President William Ruto has renewed his public feud with former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using his former office to extort money from businesspeople, politicians and election aspirants. The remarks were reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, with Ruto speaking on Monday during the second day of his tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties in Kenya.

According to the report, Ruto called Gachagua a “chief extortionist” and said he did not deserve political office. He alleged that the conduct continued even after Gachagua’s impeachment, and claimed that money was demanded from people seeking access, political backing or public opportunities. The president also said that even speaking at one of Gachagua’s events could come with a fee, though the article presents these as accusations from Ruto rather than verified findings.

Ruto further rejected Gachagua’s repeated claim that he helped secure Ruto’s 2022 election victory. He argued that he campaigned widely across the country and contrasted his own long political career with Gachagua’s narrower record. The exchange highlights the deepening split between the two leaders as Gachagua emerges as a major critic of Ruto ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general election. In general, such disputes can shape coalition politics and campaign narratives, especially when they involve allegations of corruption or abuse of office.