Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s embattled Deputy President, once hailed himself as a truthful man, attributing his political success to his willingness to speak truth to power. Now, facing impeachment proceedings, Gachagua claims his outspoken nature is the very reason behind his troubles.
Before 2017, Gachagua was relatively unknown, but in just five years, he skyrocketed to become Kenya’s second-in-command. His political journey began long before this meteoric rise, working closely with former President Uhuru Kenyatta as his personal assistant for five years, even earning the title of Kenyatta’s confidant.
However, his allegiance shifted when he teamed up with current President William Ruto, leaving Kenyatta’s inner circle to become one of his fiercest critics. As Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 elections, Gachagua became a polarizing figure, especially in the Mount Kenya region, which holds the country’s largest voting bloc. He was described by analysts as a political bulldog, helping Ruto counter Kenyatta’s influence and rallying ordinary voters to Ruto’s cause.
Despite his relatively short political career, Gachagua was chosen over more seasoned candidates for the deputy position, with Ruto lauding him as a leader passionate about ordinary people. Politics expert Bobby Mkangi noted that Gachagua’s rise, considering the well-known names he outmaneuvered, was quite something.
But just two years into office, Gachagua finds himself at odds with President Ruto, with many legislators now pushing for his removal. His once-celebrated ability to navigate Kenya’s political landscape appears to have faltered.
Gachagua’s public apology to Kenyatta whom he now refers to as his brother reveals a stark contrast to his past rhetoric, where he vehemently opposed Kenyatta’s preferred successor, Raila Odinga. His remarks at rallies, including a reference to the unsolved murder of MP JM Kariuki, cemented his reputation as a brash and fearless politician, unafraid to take on political heavyweights.
His tenure has not been without scandal. Before becoming deputy president, Gachagua was arrested on corruption and money-laundering charges, though they were later dropped after he and Ruto took power.
As his political career hangs in the balance, Gachagua’s rise and fall offer a glimpse into Kenya’s turbulent political landscape, where loyalty and opposition can shift rapidly, and where even the highest offices are not immune to dramatic power struggles.
Ennywealth
