In a blistering interview that has sent shockwaves, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s inner circle of hijacking the operations of government, casting doubt on the leadership at the helm of the nation.
Speaking candidly on KTN’s “The Big Story,” Gachagua, once one of Ruto’s closest allies, launched a fierce critique of the current administration, signaling a growing divide between the president and the citizenry.
During the high-profile interview, Gachagua delivered a scathing assessment of the way the government is being run, alleging that two individuals, Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi, have more influence over key decisions than the president himself.
The assertions mark the latest chapter in a series of public discontent from Gachagua, whose sharp words reveal deep dissatisfaction with the state of affairs within the Jubilee administration turned Kenya Kwanza government.
One of the most shocking revelations from the interview was Gachagua’s claim that President Ruto is not truly in charge of the government. “Ruto is not running this government. It’s Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi who are calling the shots behind the scenes,” Gachagua stated unequivocally. The assertion strikes at the core of the power dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza administration and raises questions about the chain of command in the executive branch of government.
Farouk Kibet, a aide to Ruto, and Dennis Itumbi, a communications strategist with strong ties to the president, have long been known to hold significant sway within the government. However, Gachagua’s comments take this influence to a new level, suggesting that they are effectively steering the ship while President Ruto appears to be sidelined.
This stinging critique aligns with earlier frustrations expressed by Gachagua, who had hinted at dissatisfaction with how decisions were being made without his input or that of other key officials.
“Cabinet Secretaries and State Agencies no longer make decisions as a team,” Gachagua stated. “It is those two who have taken over, and they make decisions in isolation without consulting the deputy president or the cabinet.”
The former deputy president’s words highlight the ongoing power struggle within the ruling party. Gachagua, who was once Ruto’s most trusted lieutenant, now finds himself embroiled in a bitter clash with the president’s closest allies. His accusations suggest a disconnect between Ruto and the people who are supposed to be his closest advisors, creating a leadership vacuum that is increasingly evident in the eyes of the public.
Gachagua’s grievances are not just limited to the internal power dynamics of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He also raised concerns about the mismanagement of government affairs, accusing the president’s team of failing to address the most pressing issues facing ordinary Kenyans.
“We have a government that does not listen to the people,” Gachagua declared. “The promises we made to the electorate are being ignored while the people who were entrusted with leadership have failed to live up to their mandate.”
Gachagua’s comments resonate with a broader narrative of disillusionment that has been building among Kenyans. Many are frustrated by the slow pace of reforms, the high cost of living, and the rising levels of corruption within government circles. Gachagua’s remarks, coming from someone who was once considered a key ally of Ruto, underscore the growing rift between the president and his deputy, and perhaps more ominously, the lack of direction in government.
A rift that could widen
The interview also revealed the depth of the personal and political rift between Gachagua and Ruto. The former deputy president’s accusations against Kibet and Itumbi are more than just a critique of the functioning of government; they point to a fundamental breakdown in the relationship between the two men who once stood together at the top of the political ladder. Gachagua’s words reflect a sense of betrayal, as if he feels sidelined and disregarded by a government that he helped bring to power.
Gachagua’s public airing of grievances could further destabilize the political landscape, especially as the 2027 general elections draw nearer. Gachagua’s revelations could galvanize other disenchanted members of the ruling party, potentially leading to a more open and direct challenge to Ruto’s leadership. It is clear that Gachagua has already positioned himself as a significant voice of opposition within the government, and his words are likely to be heard far beyond the confines of the interview.
In response to Gachagua’s remarks, spokespeople from Ruto’s camp have yet to issue an official statement, though insiders told Kurunzi News that the president is not pleased with the public airing of the interviews It remains to be seen whether this latest controversy will mark a permanent fracture between the two former allies or if a resolution will be reached to heal the growing divide.
For now, Gachagua’s bombshell interview has brought to light the deepening tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government and cast a shadow over President Ruto’s ability to manage his own administration. As public frustration continues to mount over issues such as the rising cost of living, unemployment, and government corruption, Gachagua’s words could serve to further erode public confidence in the current leadership.
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