Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has offered a deeply personal reflection on his strained relationship with President William Ruto.

The former DP revealed for the first time that he is ready to forgive the head of state, but on one condition: a national apology.

In a candid interview aired on Obinna TV on Friday, May 17, Gachagua did not mince his words on their much-publicised falling out.

With a mix of calm conviction and resolve in his voice, the embattled former deputy president shared his readiness to move past the acrimonious political fallout with Ruto.

The former Mathira MP anchored his willingness to forgive the head of state on his Christian faith.

"Even if he apologised to me, is it meaningless? Me I'll forgive him because I'm a Christian, but what about the people of Kenya?So me I don't have a problem, he can apologise to me, I'm very forgiving," Gachagua posed.

However, he quickly changed tune to a wider conversation, one that painted a sombre portrait of what he views as a nation wronged.

Gachagua listed what he described as the deep wounds the president had inflicted on the people of Kenya.

From the high cost of living and collapsed health insurance to what he termed as a moral failing in addressing youth deaths during anti-government protests, Gachagua painted a picture of a leader disconnected from the suffering of his citizens.

"What about the pay slip holders whose payslips he has raided? Will he apologise for them? What about the parents and relatives of the Gen Zs whom he killed? Even today, you know, he has never apologised. I would have expected when he was talking to that president, and he was lying, that the families have been brought back together. He would even had the moral conscience to offer an apology to the Gen Zs and to their parents and to the people of Kenya that they were killed," Gachagua stated.

It was a striking moment that once again underscored just how far the former allies have drifted apart.

He went on to decry what he described as a government that has failed across critical sectors.

He cited crumbling schools due to a lack of funding, the near-collapse of the Social Health Authority (SHA), and small businesses going under.

According to Gachagua, even if Ruto were to start apologising today, it would take years, just apologising, adding that he had wronged everybody.

In closing, the former deputy president questioned whether Ruto could ever regain public trust.

"If William Ruto was to apologise to the people of Kenya, you will take one and a half years every day, just apologising because he has wronged everybody and rubbed everybody the wrong way. Even if he apologises, I don't think the people of Kenya will ever trust him again. He has lost their trust," he added.

At the same time, Gachagua said Ruto used emotional tactics to win his support, often crying during visits to his Wamunyoro home.

Gachagua claimed the tears made him believe Ruto was sincere and committed.

He said that while a woman or child crying might not mean much, a man in his 50s shedding tears seemed serious.

Gachagua now regrets trusting too easily and said he has learned his lesson. He vowed never to trust anyone again without reviewing all facts carefully and ensuring agreements are signed and verified by lawyers.

Source: TUKO.co.ke