Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asserted that his political influence during the 2022 election campaigns played a crucial part in President William Ruto’s decision to pick him as his running mate.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Kameme FM on Monday, March 17, 2025, Gachagua addressed his relationship with President Ruto and the circumstances surrounding his selection as Deputy President.

He argued that Ruto was fully aware of his independent nature but still chose him due to the political weight he carried at the time.

“From the beginning, President Ruto knew that I’m not a ‘Yes Sir’ type of person,” Gachagua stated.

The former DP, who was impeached in 2024 after a tumultuous relationship with the executive, emphasized that his selection was strategic rather than based on personal compatibility or loyalty.

“But he still chose me to be his Deputy because of the influence I had during the campaign period,” he added.

Rocky relationship

According to Gachagua, tensions between him and the President began early in their administration.

Despite their public display of unity during the 2022 election campaign, friction emerged almost immediately after they assumed office.

“From the beginning, President Ruto knew that I’m not a ‘Yes Sir’ type of person. But he still chose me because of my influence during the campaign,” Gachagua reiterated.

He portrayed himself as a vocal critic within the administration, frequently challenging decisions he believed were misguided.

However, he claimed his outspokenness came at a cost, as Ruto allegedly used the threat of impeachment to suppress his dissent.

“When I spoke out about something being done wrong, President Ruto would threaten me. He would remind me that he chose me as his Deputy, that other leaders never wanted me in that position, and that he had the power to pay MPs and Senators to impeach me,” Gachagua stated.

Ousting Ruto

Speaking earlier on Sunday, February 9, 2025, Gachagua indicated that Mt. Kenya voters are planning to vote out any leader who continues to support Ruto, labelling them as betrayers.

“My people are telling me that anyone who has ever betrayed them will not have a chance. They are also telling me that anyone supporting Ruto while he is oppressing them will also not have a chance,” he stated.

Gachagua revealed that he has been forgiven by the people of Mt. Kenya for his alignment with Ruto and is now actively seeking new political alliances outside the region.

“I was lied to by Ruto, but my people have forgiven me, and that is why they have sent me. They have told me to make good friends outside the region. We will engage the Akamba, the Abagusii, and many others. Other tribes have now seen that we are a truthful people,” he said.