Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing intense scrutiny over allegations he demanded KES 10 billion in cash to address political discontent in the Mount Kenya region, according to a scathing open letter from a senior government advisor.
Moses Kuria, a member of President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, levelled the accusation in a series of pointed questions. The letter, which circulated widely on social media, paints a picture of a deputy president at odds with his colleagues and pursuing a self-interested agenda.
“When the cost of living was high and there was discontent on the ground, you went to the President and demanded he gives you cash KES 10 Billion to go fix the ground in Mt Kenya,” Kuria wrote, addressing Gachagua directly. “When it was denied you now throw tantrums. How would the cash have benefitted the people of Mt Kenya?”
The allegations come at a critical time for Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a champion for the interests of the vote-rich Mount Kenya region. However, Kuria’s letter suggests that Gachagua’s leadership is increasingly contested within the government and among regional powerbrokers.
“You have lost the trust and friendship of 90% of elected and appointed leaders in Mt Kenya region. How can you lead them?” Kuria asked, highlighting what he claims is a growing rift between Gachagua and other political figures from the area.
The letter raises questions about Gachagua’s effectiveness in his role as deputy president. Kuria alleges that while President Ruto works “24 by 7 alone,” Gachagua “do[es] zero work in terms of the priorities of the President and the government.”
“The President works 24 by 7 alone yet you are so idle that you spend entire day politicking or filling out tender forms,” Kuria wrote, in a particularly damning accusation.
These claims, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the Kenya Kwanza administration’s ability to deliver on its campaign promises to the Mount Kenya region and the country at large.
Kuria’s letter also touches on long-standing tensions within the ruling coalition. He accuses Gachagua of undermining him and other politicians before the 2022 elections, stating, “You told me off and even mobilised everybody to decampaign against me, Kabogo & Kiunjuri and our party candidates.”
The advisor goes on to question Gachagua’s political strategy and vision for the region. “Finally, where are you taking our people?” Kuria asks. “Assume you even get 100% of Mt Kenya, what next? What’s the end game? Will you vie for President in 2027?”
These questions reflect broader concerns about the political direction of the Mount Kenya region and its place within national politics. Kuria suggests that Gachagua’s approach risks isolating the community, asking, “Are you not the safest route towards 41 against 1 isolation of our community?”
The letter also raises alarming questions about trust and safety within the highest levels of government. Kuria claims that Gachagua has “refused to even have a cup of tea in State House saying you fear you will be poisoned,” before asking how others can feel safe attending meetings at Gachagua’s residence.
