According to the DP, his private secretary and Chief of Staff were also removed from the group a week ago by Reuben Miayo, President William Ruto’s private secretary. This removal he says has left him disconnected from President Ruto’s schedule and hence unable to attend State functions in sync with his boss.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained reasons behind his recent absence from key national events attended by President William Ruto. Gachagua says it stems from his removal from the State House WhatsApp group, where the President’s itinerary is shared. Speaking in an interview on Friday, Gachagua claimed that his team was deliberately removed from the group, leading to his unawareness of crucial functions.
Gachagua Smells Political Mischief
“About a week ago, we were removed from that diary, so we were not able to continuously follow what was going on, and so we cannot align. When I am aware where the President is, I am always there. When I am not aware, there is nothing I can do about it,” Gachagua said.
The Deputy President did not mince his words, alleging that this exclusion is a deliberate attempt by close allies of President Ruto to undermine his role as the second-in-command. He speculated that this move could be a calculated effort to paint him as irresponsible or disengaged, thus justifying potential impeachment efforts.
“There is mischief to remove me from the Presidential diary. So that once I do not attend Presidential events, it can be purported that I am absconding duty. I hear that was one of the grounds for impeachment. Sometimes they want me to appear late so that it can appear I am disrespectful,” Gachagua said.
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Gachagua’s Plea to Ruto
Gachagua took the chance to make an appeal to President Ruto and his close aides. He requested that his team be reinstated in the group so that he can fulfill his duties as the Deputy President. He emphasized the importance of his role as the President’s principal assistant. The DP adding he is committed to aligning his schedule with the President’s.
“I am the DP elected by the people, and I am the principal assistant of the President. It is only right and fair that I have access to the presidential diary so that I align his diary with my diary because he is the boss,” he stated.
The visibly concerned DP stressed that his absence from certain presidential functions should not be misconstrued as neglect or disrespect, but rather as a result of being kept in the dark.
“But if I am in the dark and don’t know what is happening. I am not an angel to know exactly where he will be at what time, and that is not right. So if Kenyans don’t see me at any of the presidential functions, it is because I am not aware of the function. And the functions they usually see me at is the one I am invited to.”
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Gachagua ready to work
Gachagua however maintained his loyalty to both the President, reiterating his work ethic and long-standing commitment to public service. He talked of his background as a disciplined officer. The DP saying that he would never intentionally skip or arrive late to official events.
“I am a very obedient public officer, I was a man in uniform. And I have tremendous respect for the President and his office. I would be the last person to attend events or come late,” Gachagua said.
The Deputy President urged those surrounding the presidency not to create unnecessary conflicts between him and President Ruto. He assured the public of his full dedication to his role as the Deputy President
“I want to ask the people who work around the presidency not to create conflict between the President and I.” He said.
