Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked fresh political tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government, accusing President William Ruto of weaponizing the criminal justice system to target his allies and push for his impeachment.
Gachagua’s accusations come in the wake of an ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into the alleged involvement of his supporters, including sitting and former MPs, in organizing violent anti-government protests in June.
In a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), dated September 24 the DCI detailed the roles of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru MejjaDonk in orchestrating and funding the protests, which led to widespread violence, looting, and over 60 deaths. Intelligence reports linked the MPs to multiple meetings held in Nairobi, where the violent demonstrations were allegedly planned.
The DCI’s investigation revealed a connection between the MPs and the violent disruptions, recommending charges of conspiracy, incitement, and money laundering.
In response via X, Gachagua lashed out at President Ruto, accusing him of using state institutions like the DCI and DPP to eliminate him politically. “The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is an outdated political strategy,” Gachagua said in a social media post, further claiming that the harassment of his allies is part of a broader plot to soil his name and lay the groundwork for his impeachment.
However, Uasin Gishu MP Oscar Sudi, a fierce ally of President Ruto, launched a counterattack against Gachagua, accusing the Deputy President of masterminding political chaos in the country. “It’s no longer a secret that you’re the mastermind behind the dead-on-arrival plan to oust our President,” Sudi declared, claiming Gachagua funded the demonstrations that turned deadly.
“Those jailed are a result of the money you poured to sponsor demos,” Sudi added, dismissing Gachagua’s claims of victimhood.
Sudi further accused Gachagua of manipulating young political leaders, such as James Gakuya and Benjamin Gathiru, while attempting to derail the careers of leaders loyal to Ruto, including Kimani Ichung’wah and Ndindi Nyoro.
He warned Gachagua against using tribalism to push his agenda, stating, “Don’t hide your ill intentions by attempting to box Mt Kenya people into a tribal cocoon.” Sudi closed his sharp critique by stating that Kenyans are aware of Gachagua’s schemes:
“Just know we’re woke and wise enough not to go after the piper but the chief financier of chaos. Tuko macho mbaya sana.”
The unfolding investigation into the violent protests, combined with the escalating war of words, has laid bare the growing rift between the Deputy President and his boss, President Ruto.
As the probe deepens, the political future of key figures in the Kenya Kwanza government remains uncertain, with the potential for further divisions.
