Kenya: Former Vice President Gachagua holds President Ruto accountable for any harm that may befall him

Rigathi Gachagua, recently ousted from his position as Kenya’s Deputy President, has raised concerns about his personal safety, stating that if anything happens to him, President William Ruto should be held responsible.

Speaking to the media after being discharged from the hospital, where he was admitted due to chest pains, Gachagua expressed his shock at the actions of the administration he once served. He revealed that while he was receiving medical treatment, his security detail was abruptly withdrawn, leaving him vulnerable.

"I was stripped of my security without notice, and some of my staff members were also suspended. My life is now at risk," Gachagua said during the press conference. He added, "If anything happens to me or my family, President William Ruto will be fully responsible."

The former Deputy President further claimed that there have been previous attempts on his life, accusing President Ruto of being a "dangerous and ungrateful man" who quickly forgets those who helped him rise to power. "It pains me to see how someone I trusted and supported to become President could betray me like this," Gachagua lamented.

According to reports from AFP, President Ruto has not yet made any public statement regarding Gachagua’s dismissal. Gachagua, who once played a pivotal role in Ruto’s election victory, now faces a series of allegations, including promoting division, disrespecting the President, and misappropriation of resources.

The National Assembly and Senate recently voted to remove Gachagua from office, with the Senate charging him with 11 offenses, of which five were upheld. These charges include creating political rifts and undermining President Ruto’s authority. Although Gachagua was unable to attend the Senate session due to his hospitalization, he denied all allegations, claiming they were fabricated by political adversaries seeking to oust him from power.

Following Gachagua’s removal, President Ruto swiftly appointed Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President. However, the High Court has since halted the appointment, ruling that the process lacked transparency.

The Constitutional Court has now assembled a panel of judges to begin reviewing the case next Tuesday, where they will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Gachagua’s removal and the legality of Kindiki’s appointment.