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

President William Ruto accused Rigathi Gachagua of extortion while touring Kisii and Nyamira, and Gachagua's response is not in the sources.

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 [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 claimed that Gachagua’s dealings were part of what cost him the DP seat, forcing his ouster in 2024 [1]. Ruto also scoffed at Gachagua’s claims that his prominence had lifted Ruto to the presidency, saying he had long secured elective seats without any such help [1]. These are Ruto’s allegations as reported by the outlets cited. Gachagua’s response is not in the sources.

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not explain why Kenyans are searching for “ruto”. 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.

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][3].
• Ruto said Gachagua’s conduct was part of what cost him the DP seat, forcing his ouster in 2024, according to Citizen Digital [1].
• 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][3].
• 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].

What to watch

The sources do not include a response from Gachagua, so his side of the dispute is not yet on record in this coverage. Mutuse’s claim about a highway announcement is his own assertion, and the sources do not confirm that an announcement has been made. Gachoka’s view of the 2027 contest is likewise his claim and is not presented as established fact.

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.