Gachagua labels Ruto a corrupt leader as war of words escalates
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 14, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a strong attack on President William Ruto during a homecoming ceremony for Martin Ole Kamwaro in Melil Ward, Narok North Constituency, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Gachagua responded to Ruto’s remarks, where he referred to him and others as petty thieves during a tour in North Eastern Kenya, by labelling him a bigger thief.
Ruto accused Gachagua of incompetence and stealing relief food during his time as a district officer in the 1990s.
The Narok event drew a large crowd of locals and supporters. Gachagua used the platform to respond directly to Ruto’s comments. He rallied the audience against what he described as Ruto’s deceit and corruption.
Gachagua began by mocking Ruto’s remarks.
“Tumeona huyu Kasongo juzi alikuwa pale Mandera akidanganya Wasomali vile amezoea kudanganya Wamaasai. Akisema ati ya kwamba, ati kuna watu naita petty thieves. Petty thief ni yule mwizi mdogo. Sasa mimi nashindwa ata kama kuna mwizi mdogo na hajulikani, mwizi yule mkubwa zaidi anaeza ongea mambo ya mwizi mdogo?” he said.
He escalated his accusations, claiming that Ruto ranks as the second most corrupt leader globally.
“William Ruto amepatiwa nafasi kama mfisadi zaidi number mbili katika dunia mzima. He is the second most corrupt leader in the world,” Gachagua declared. He argued that Ruto has no right to lecture on theft given his own record.
Gachagua lists Ruto’s land
Gachagua cited specific land grabs in a move signalling the continued exchange of words between the two leaders.
“Pale Kibiko, umeiba shamba ya Wamaasai acre 2800, na umeuza kwa Kenya Pipeline shillingi billioni tatu, alafu unaongea mambo ya wizi,” he said.
“Pale shamba la Joseph Murumbi, pale Kilgoris, shamba ya Wamaasai, uliiba,” he stated.
Gachagua also reignited the debate on the Weston Hotel land, accusing Ruto of acquiring it without following due process.