Ruto Under Fire: Kenyans Demand Answers on Deputy President Rift
By The Public Lens
President William Ruto is facing mounting pressure to provide a clear explanation for his fallout with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The allegations against Gachagua, which led to an attempted removal from office, are not new to Kenya’s political landscape.
For years, politicians have been accused of receiving contracts, embezzling public funds, accepting bribes, and awarding jobs based on ethnic favoritism without consequences.
Reports estimate that over KSh140 billion is stolen annually by government officials, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealing a doubling of bribes paid to secure government jobs since Ruto’s administration took office.
A staggering KSh163,000 is required to secure employment in the public sector, while other government services demand up to KSh70,000 in bribes.
The Office of the Auditor General has consistently highlighted pervasive corruption in national and county governments.
Corruption has become so entrenched that Auditor General Nancy Gathungu suggested that public funds thieves invest stolen money in Kenya to create jobs.
President Ruto’s allies claim Gachagua was targeted for removal due to his government business dealings, but this claim has been met with skepticism.
Gachagua’s comment comparing the government to a company benefiting only shareholders has been criticized, yet it’s not considered grounds for removal.
Some of Ruto’s allies have made ethnically insensitive remarks without repercussions.
Evidence presented against Gachagua includes videos of speeches made after the Kenya Kwanza leadership initiated removal proceedings.
The strained relationship between Gachagua and Ruto’s inner circle began before the rejected 2024 Finance Bill, suggesting deeper tensions.
Kenyans are demanding answers from President Ruto about the true reasons for distancing himself from Gachagua.
As the situation unfolds, Kenyans will be watching closely for transparency and accountability from their leaders.
