Ruto calls Gachagua a “chief extortionist”; Nairobi-Mombasa highway plan reported

President William Ruto made fresh attacks on former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, while other reports this week covered 2027 politics and a proposed highway project.

What happened

President William Ruto launched what Capital FM describes as a “blistering attack” on his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, calling him a “chief extortionist” while touring Kisii and Nyamira on Monday [2]. Ruto alleged that Gachagua used his position as Deputy President to extort money from businesspeople, politicians and aspiring candidates, and claimed the conduct continued after his impeachment [2]. He also questioned Gachagua’s suitability to lead the country [2].

Separately, 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].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not explain why the search term “ruto” is trending. They contain no search data and do not say whether the reports above are linked to the rise in searches. The points above are limited to what each outlet reported.

Key facts

• Ruto called Gachagua a “chief extortionist” during a tour of Nyamira County [2].
• Ruto alleged that the extortion continued after Gachagua’s impeachment [2].
• Gachoka says Sifuna is the opposition figure who can defeat Ruto in 2027 [1].
• Mutuse says Ruto is preparing to announce a plan to dual the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund [3].

What to watch

The sources do not include a response from Gachagua to Ruto’s allegations. Mutuse describes the highway plan as one Ruto is “preparing to announce” [3], so the details are not set out in these reports. Gachoka’s view on Sifuna is a political claim from one aspirant [1]. Readers should check later coverage for official statements and confirmed details.

Sources

1. [1] Tony Gachoka: William Ruto can only be defeated by Sifuna - Nairobi Tea
2. [2] Ruto calls Gachagua ‘Chief Extortionist’ in fresh attack - Nairobi Tea
3. [3] Ruto has plans to dual Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, Mutuse claims - Nairobi Tea

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.