Rigathi Respond To Ruto After Refuting Claims On Helping Him To Win Pres Elections 2022

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to President William Ruto after the Head of State dismissed claims that his former deputy played a significant role in securing victory during the 2022 General Election.

The latest exchange has reopened the political debate over the contributions made by the two leaders during the Kenya Kwanza campaign, which brought them to power in August 2022.

Ruto took aim at Gachagua while addressing residents at Nyangori in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira County, on Monday, November 9. He questioned why the former deputy continued presenting himself as a key figure behind his presidential victory.

The President argued that his political journey had started long before he partnered with Gachagua. He also contrasted their electoral records, claiming that he had won seven elections while Gachagua had only secured one parliamentary seat.

Ruto further claimed that Gachagua received only four votes during a Mount Kenya parliamentary caucus meeting that considered possible running mates in 2022. He alleged that he personally intervened to secure his selection as the running mate.

However, Gachagua has maintained that he played a crucial role in mobilising support for Ruto, particularly across the Mount Kenya region.

The DCP leader has previously cited his political networks, campaign activities and influence in the region as important factors behind the Kenya Kwanza victory.

Following Ruto’s remarks, Gachagua shifted the debate to the President’s development record during his tour of the Gusii region.

In a post on X, he questioned the projects Ruto had gone to launch in Kisii, sarcastically suggesting that he himself was the President’s main project during the visit.

The exchange reflects the growing hostility between the two former allies, whose political relationship collapsed before Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.

As the 2027 General Election approaches, their competing accounts of the 2022 campaign continue to feature prominently in Kenya’s political debate.

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