Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself at the center of a political storm after a public rebuke from Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi. Sudi, a close ally of President William Ruto, made a bold statement, claiming that Gachagua “belongs in jail.” This attack has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about the growing divisions within the ruling party.
Sudi’s Claims Against Gachagua
In a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), Sudi accused Gachagua of hypocrisy and stirring tribal divisions for personal gain. He pointed to Gachagua’s alleged role in orchestrating violent demonstrations on June 26th 2024. He further accused him of using young people for political leverage.
“Young people were killed in the streets and those jailed are a result of the money you poured to sponsor demos,” Sudi wrote. He didn’t stop there, adding, “Save for the respect we have for your office, you belong in jail.”
ALSO READ:
–Police Not Entirely to Blame For June 25th Protest Deaths, Says CS Kindiki
–CS Kindiki Reveals Second Foiled Attempt to Burn Down Parliament After June 25th Invasion
This shocking accusation followed hours after Gachagua alleged that his allies were being targeted by a politically motivated harassment campaign. According to Gachagua, two MPs, James Gakuya of Embakasi North and Benjamin Gathiru of Embakasi Central, were facing charges for their involvement in protests earlier this year.
Gachagua Denies Allegations
Gachagua has strongly denied the accusations, insisting that they are part of a larger plot to tarnish his reputation and set the stage for his impeachment. In a social media post, the Deputy President claimed, “This evil scheme is to associate them with violent demonstrations, in a futile attempt to soil my name.” He further argued that the harassment against his staff and allies has been ongoing for two months.
The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is an outdated political strategy that was used in the past.
— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) September 26, 2024
However, Sudi’s accusations paint a different picture. He condemned Gachagua for using tribalism as a cover to advance his political agenda. Sudi claimed that Gachagua was pretending to fight for the Mt. Kenya region while prioritizing his personal gain. “Don’t hide your ill intentions by attempting to box Mt. Kenya people into a tribal cocoon,” Sudi said. He labelled Gachagua’s behavior as “shameful.
Political Fallout as Divisions Grow Within Government
Sudi’s explosive statements have only added fuel to an already growing fire within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. With Gachagua positioning himself as a key defender of Mt. Kenya’s interests, these new accusations threaten to fracture the alliance even further.
The conflict between Gachagua and his critics could complicate the government’s stability, particularly as they struggle to manage rising public dissatisfaction. Currently, issues of high cost of living, the Adani – JKIA deal and new Social Health Insurance Fund rollout are among contentious issues. Demonstrations across the country, largely driven by economic frustrations, have escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in deaths and arrests.
Gachagua’s troubles intensified after the DCI recommended charges against his five allies, including MPs Gakuya and Gathiru. These individuals are accused of financing and planning the violent protests that erupted in June.
Gachagua Under Fire as DCI Pushes for Action
Despite being summoned by the DCI in July, both Gakuya and Gathiru refused to submit their mobile phones for forensic analysis. This defiance has raised suspicions about their involvement in the protests. Gachagua, however, continues to deny any wrongdoing, framing the charges as a political attack.
The Deputy President also expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a return to politically motivated legal battles. He reminded the public that he and President Ruto had vowed to end such practices when they assumed power.
“I am embarrassed that we are back to where we were,” Gachagua wrote in a statement. “Harassment of my office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to me has been going on for the last two months.”
