The political climate in Kenya is currently charged with tension as a public dispute unfolds between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The spat, which has escalated rapidly, involves accusations, rebuttals, and revelations that touch on regional development, political allegiance, and even personal integrity.

The initial spark was ignited when Gachagua accused President Ruto of neglecting the completion of projects initiated during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua claimed that Ruto was planning to launch these projects as his own, despite them being conceived and started by his predecessor. According to Gachagua, this amounted to a failure to acknowledge and continue the work of the previous administration.

President Ruto swiftly responded to these allegations, detailing a series of ongoing road construction projects across Mt Kenya. He specifically mentioned a 45km route in Nyeri and highlighted highway projects in Nyandarua. In a pointed remark, Ruto noted that his administration had constructed the road leading to Gachagua's own home in Nyeri, effectively undermining the former deputy president's criticism. This exchange occurred as Ruto prepared to showcase his infrastructure achievements during a tour of the Mt Kenya region.

The conflict took a dramatic turn when Gachagua, in response to Ruto's defense, launched a scathing attack, branding the President a "pathological liar" and questioning his mental state. Gachagua took to social media platform X to express his grievances, warning that dishonesty at the highest levels of leadership posed a significant threat to Kenya's future. He accused Ruto of making outright falsehoods and failing to harmonize the narratives within his government.

Adding fuel to the fire, President Ruto disclosed details of what he described as a bitter fallout with Gachagua. In an interview at Sagana State Lodge, Ruto alleged that Gachagua had demanded KSh 10 billion (approximately $75 million USD) in exchange for securing political support in the Mt Kenya region. Ruto further claimed that Gachagua had threatened to make him a one-term president if his demands were not met.

Ruto stated that he had rejected Gachagua's demand outright, asserting that he would not succumb to political blackmail. He emphasized his belief that his tenure as president should be determined by the people of Kenya and by divine will, rather than by political maneuvering.

This escalating conflict between President Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua has exposed deep divisions within the Kenyan government and raises serious questions about the stability of the ruling coalition. The accusations and counter-accusations have captivated the public and are likely to have significant political ramifications in the lead-up to future elections.

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, contributes to the ongoing coverage with over three years of experience covering Kenyan politics and current affairs, providing detailed insights into this evolving political drama.