Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to stop ongoing attacks against him by senior government officials and UDA party members.
He reminded Ruto of his earlier commitment to ensure his deputy is not disrespected, persecuted, or embarrassed.
“That happened, and I am grateful to him,” Gachagua said. “But in the second year, it’s happening.
Cabinet ministers are abusing the Deputy President, just like during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s time. People disrespected the Deputy President, intimidated him.”
Gachagua shared how, when Ruto approached him to be his running mate, his family was concerned about whether he would suffer the same fate as Ruto did as Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta.
“He gave us, as a family, a firm commitment that it wouldn’t happen,” Gachagua explained.
“I am asking President Ruto, please keep your promise. Stop those ministers abusing the deputy president. Don’t allow the criminal justice system to intimidate your deputy like it happened to you.”
Gachagua admitted the difficulties he faces from people close to the President but reassured that he has the strength to endure.
“I take it in stride. I am an elder, well-trained in paramilitary, with tremendous perseverance. I ignore many petty things because I do not want to become petty.”
He also recalled an incident during King Charles’s visit to the State House when a prominent blogger shared a photoshopped image of him locked in a window, while he was actually abroad on official duty.
“That blogger circulated it until Kenyans complained, and he brought it down. These are people working for the President, demeaning the Deputy President,” Gachagua said.
