Ruto Accuses Gachagua of Extortion, Says It Cost Him Deputy President Position

President William Ruto has intensified his political confrontation with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing him as a "chief extortionist" and accusing him of demanding money from politicians, businesspeople and individuals seeking political opportunities through his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Speaking on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a public rally in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira County, Ruto launched a scathing attack on his former deputy, revisiting the circumstances surrounding their political fallout and Gachagua's eventual impeachment.

The President alleged that Gachagua had turned political access and opportunities into financial transactions, claiming that individuals seeking meetings with him were required to pay substantial amounts of money.

According to Ruto, even politicians seeking opportunities to address supporters at DCP rallies were allegedly being charged.

"Yule Mr chuki wa Texas... wewe ndiye chief extortionist," Ruto declared, accusing Gachagua of troubling businesspeople and political aspirants through alleged financial demands.

Ruto Links Alleged Extortion to Gachagua's Impeachment

In his address, Ruto directly connected the accusations to Gachagua's removal from the Deputy President's office in October 2024.

The Head of State claimed that the former deputy's alleged conduct was among the reasons he lost his position, arguing that businesspeople and political leaders had been subjected to financial pressure during his time in government.

Ruto further alleged that some politicians seeking gubernatorial positions through Gachagua's political camp were being asked to provide millions of shillings.

He cited alleged demands of KSh10 million and KSh20 million from individuals seeking political access, while claiming that aspiring politicians could be required to pay KSh50,000 for an opportunity to use a microphone at political gatherings.

The President did not publicly provide documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations during the address.

His remarks represent the latest attempt to revisit the political circumstances that led to the breakdown of his relationship with Gachagua.

President Dismisses Gachagua's Claims About 2022 Election Victory

Ruto also dismissed Gachagua's repeated assertions that he played a decisive role in helping him win the 2022 presidential election.

The President argued that his political journey and electoral successes preceded his partnership with Gachagua, insisting that his rise to the presidency was built on his own political efforts and nationwide support.

Ruto pointed to his electoral history, saying he had been elected seven times, compared with Gachagua's single term as a Member of Parliament.

"Eti ooh mimi ndio nimefanya Ruto awe rais. Mimi nimechaguliwa mara saba, wewe umechaguliwa mara moja," the President said.

He also revisited the 2022 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) running mate selection process, claiming that Gachagua received only four votes from the Mount Kenya parliamentary caucus before he personally intervened to support his selection.

Ruto said he had backed Gachagua because he believed the former MP was mature enough to serve as his deputy.

DCP Aspirants Caught in Political Crossfire

The President's latest accusations also targeted Gachagua's leadership of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, which has emerged as one of the political vehicles challenging Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto alleged that politicians seeking elective positions through DCP were facing financial demands, questioning the party's internal leadership and the manner in which political opportunities were being distributed.

He further accused Gachagua of creating difficulties for businesspeople and political candidates through what he described as extortionist behaviour.

The allegations come as DCP continues positioning itself as an alternative political platform for leaders opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Gachagua has been actively mobilising political support, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, while seeking to build alliances with other opposition leaders.

Ruto Defends Government Rallies Against Claims of Paid Attendance

The President's attack on Gachagua was also connected to a wider political dispute over allegations that government supporters were paying residents to attend presidential rallies.

Ruto rejected claims that people attending his public meetings were being financially incentivised, insisting that Kenyans were capable of making independent political decisions.

He challenged Gachagua to respect the intelligence and independence of voters rather than suggesting that citizens could be mobilised through financial incentives.

The President argued that political leaders should not assume ownership of voters or claim the ability to determine how communities exercise their democratic rights.

His remarks came amid competing claims by the two political camps over attendance at rallies and the use of money in political mobilisation.

Political Fallout Ahead of the 2027 General Election

The relationship between Ruto and Gachagua deteriorated significantly during their time in government, eventually resulting in Gachagua's impeachment in October 2024.

Since leaving office, the former Deputy President has emerged as one of Ruto's most vocal political opponents and has repeatedly declared his intention to challenge the President's re-election ambitions.

The latest exchange demonstrates that their political differences remain far from resolved.

With the August 2027 General Election approaching, both leaders are seeking to strengthen their political influence and consolidate support across different regions.

For Ruto, the allegations provide another opportunity to defend his decision to part ways with his former deputy. For Gachagua, the growing political confrontation presents another challenge as he seeks to establish DCP as a formidable opposition force.

Whether the accusations will produce further political consequences remains to be seen. However, the increasingly personal exchanges between the two leaders suggest that their rivalry will remain a major feature of Kenya's political landscape as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.