Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of insulting the Kikuyu community and betraying the trust they placed in him during the 2022 elections.
In a fiery outburst, Gachagua is said to have claimed that Ruto referred to Kikuyus as “slaves of money,” a statement he interpreted as an insult to their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. “William Ruto unaita Wakikuyu malaya wa pesa. Pesa yako itakuliwa na hii Wakikuyu na hakuna kura utapata hata moja. Ulitudanganya tukadhani ni mtu mzuri, kumbe ni fisi,” Gachagua allegedly fumed, expressing his deep frustration.
The Deputy President’s remarks come amid growing signs of political tension within the Kenya Kwanza administration. Once seen as Ruto’s staunchest ally, Gachagua has in recent months appeared to drift away from the President’s inner circle, fueling speculation of a widening rift.
Analysts suggest that Gachagua’s sharp words reflect an attempt to rally the Mt. Kenya region behind him ahead of the 2027 general elections. By painting Ruto as untrustworthy and disrespectful to Kikuyus, the DP may be seeking to position himself as the community’s defender and strongest political voice.
The alleged insult, if confirmed, risks deepening divisions within the ruling coalition. The Kikuyu community played a decisive role in delivering votes to Ruto in 2022, and any perception of disrespect could have far-reaching consequences for his political base.
So far, President Ruto has not publicly responded to Gachagua’s remarks, but insiders within State House dismiss the claims as political propaganda aimed at creating unnecessary friction. Still, the war of words underscores the fragile nature of alliances in Kenyan politics, where friendships often collapse as quickly as they are formed.
As the 2027 election clock ticks, Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua will escalate into a full-blown political divorce—or whether the two leaders will find a way to patch up their differences for the sake of unity.
