Ruto calls former deputy Gachagua a “chief extortionist” during Nyamira tour

President William Ruto made fresh accusations against his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, while touring Kisii and Nyamira, and Gachagua’s response is not in the sources.

What happened

President William Ruto attacked his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, while touring Kisii and Nyamira. Capital FM describes the remarks as a “blistering attack” and reports that Ruto called Gachagua a “chief extortionist” [2][3]. Speaking at Kitutu Masaba in Nyamira County, Ruto said Gachagua used his position as Deputy President to extort money from businesspeople, politicians and aspiring candidates, and that the conduct continued after his impeachment [2][3]. He also questioned Gachagua’s suitability to lead the country [3].

According to Citizen Digital, Ruto further claimed that Gachagua’s dealings were part of what cost him the DP seat, forcing his ouster in 2024 [1]. Ruto also dismissed Gachagua’s claim that his prominence had lifted him to the presidency, saying he had long secured elective seats without any such help [1]. Gachagua’s response is not in the sources.

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not explain why Kenyans are searching for “gachagua”. They contain no search data and do not say whether the reports below are linked to the rise in searches. The points here are limited to what each outlet reported.

The same coverage also carried two other reports. KANU Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Tony Gachoka has claimed that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is the opposition figure capable of defeating Ruto in the 2027 general election [1]. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has said Ruto is preparing to announce plans to dual the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund [3].

Key facts

• Ruto called Gachagua a “chief extortionist” during a tour of Nyamira County [2].
• Ruto alleged that Gachagua used his position as Deputy President to extort money from businesspeople, politicians and aspiring candidates [2][3].
• Ruto alleged that the extortion continued after Gachagua’s impeachment [2].
• According to Citizen Digital, Ruto said Gachagua’s dealings were part of what cost him the DP seat in 2024 [1].
• Gachoka says Sifuna is the opposition figure who can defeat Ruto in 2027 [1].
• Mutuse says Ruto is preparing to announce plans to dual the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund [3].

What to watch

Gachagua’s response to Ruto’s remarks is not in the sources, so his side of the dispute is not yet on record here. Mutuse’s claim about the highway is a claim about what Ruto is preparing to announce, and the sources do not confirm that announcement has been made. Gachoka’s claim about Sifuna and the 2027 election is also attributed to Gachoka and has not been confirmed by the sources.

Sources

1. [1] Ruto calls former deputy Gachagua a “chief extortionist” during Nyamira tour - Nairobi Tea
2. [2] Ruto accuses Gachagua of extortion, says he did not need DP support - Nairobi Tea
3. [3] Ruto calls Gachagua a “chief extortionist”; Nairobi-Mombasa highway plan reported - Nairobi Tea

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.