Tag: Rigathi Gachagua news

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing the government of rushing to misappropriate billions of shillings through a supplementary budget before the current financial year closes.

Speaking on Wednesday, the former Deputy President alleged that Sh6.2 billion is being fast-tracked through budget votes that have not undergone proper auditing.

“Mr. William Ruto and his boys are on a looting spree,” Gachagua stated. “Acknowledging that his game is over, they are saying it is injury time. That is the mantra.”

Alleged Channels of Misuse

Gachagua claimed that the funds are being siphoned under the guise of operational costs, maintenance, and general government expenses. According to the DCP leader, the money is being funneled through key state offices, including:

State House, the Office of the Deputy President, the State Department for Internal Security and the National Intelligence Service (NIS)

Neglected Public Services vs. Political Financing

The opposition leader contrasted the massive expenditure with the harsh economic realities facing ordinary Kenyans, pointing out severe deficits in essential public services.

“This is happening when hospitals have no drugs, cancer patients are in deep pain, our students have no capitation, and university and college students have no funding,” Gachagua argued.

Instead of addressing these crises, Gachagua alleged that the billions are being weaponized for political survival and strategy, claiming the funds are earmarked for:

• Bribing voters and financing the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election.

• “Buying” the loyalty of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators.

• Funding political alliances and hiring goons.

• Financing counter-productive state empowerment programs.

Current Context

The government had not issued a formal response to these allegations at the time of publication.

This latest salvo intensifies the rapidly escalating political feud between President Ruto and his former deputy, firmly positioning Gachagua as one of the most vocal critics of the current administration’s fiscal policies.

Narc-Kenya and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has thrown her legal and political weight behind former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that his recent impeachment does not automatically lock him out of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live show on June 14, 2026, the veteran constitutional lawyer argued that as long as Gachagua actively pursues judicial appeals to challenge his ouster, his eligibility to contest for any public office—including the presidency—remains legally protected.

The Precedent of Constitutional Due Process

Responding to the fierce public debate regarding Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, Karua emphasized that a declaration of impeachment is not a final death sentence for a politician’s career if it is subjected to an active appellate process.

“So long as he has given a notice of appeal, you can’t take away eligibility,” Karua stated firmly. “Before one exhausts the appeal… if he doesn’t appeal, then he will become ineligible. But if he appeals, like he has already indicated, then until he exhausts—and who knows, the appeal may find in his favor.”

To ground her argument, the former Justice Minister drew historical parallels to the watershed 2013 General Election, reminding viewers that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the courts have historically tilted toward the presumption of innocence and the exhaustion of legal remedies.

“How did Ruto and Uhuru run for president when they were facing Hague charges?” she posed, referencing the complex legal hurdles the duo bypassed while facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Parliament is Independent, But Not Absolute

While Karua clarified that she is not acting as Gachagua’s official legal adviser, she noted that the operational precedent maintained by Kenyan courts and electoral management bodies dictates that a politician’s rights cannot be truncated midway through litigation.

Gachagua, who was removed from office through a highly charged Senate impeachment vote, has already launched multiple judicial reviews to overturn the verdict. Karua warned that the ongoing legal battle should serve as a stern lesson to the bicameral house on the absolute necessity of procedural perfection.

“It means that Parliament has to be very careful to follow due process,” Karua cautioned. “Even when you say that Parliament is independent, they are independent in making decisions, but once they make it, it can be scrutinized and audited by the courts.”

According to the Senior Counsel, this system of checks and balances is the bedrock of Kenya’s constitutional democracy, meaning that any rushed or politically motivated action taken by either Parliament or the Presidency remains fully subject to being invalidated or affirmed by a court of law.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appointed Nyandarua Senator John Methu as the new Secretary-General and official spokesperson of the Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP), triggering a major leadership shake-up within the political outfit.

Gachagua announced the decision on Monday, May 25, 2026, during a press briefing at the DCP headquarters in Nairobi. The move effectively pushes out the party’s founding Secretary-General, Hezron Obaga, who had held the position since DCP’s inception in May 2025.

A Strategic Reorganization for 2027

While Gachagua declined to disclose the specific reasons behind Obaga’s sudden removal, he made it clear that the transition—ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC)—is aimed at restructuring the party for upcoming political battles.

“The media must know who to contact. Senator John Methu is a DCP party member, and he will start acting as the Secretary-General designate and the spokesperson of DCP on all matters from today,” Gachagua declared. “In the fullness of time, his name will be forwarded to the Registrar of Political Parties so that he is registered as the duly appointed SG of DCP.”

Celebrating the party’s growth over its first year of existence, Gachagua claimed DCP has already registered over 4 million members. He added that more than 10,000 political hopefuls have expressed interest in running under the party ticket in the 2027 general elections, promising them a strictly free and fair nomination process.

Methu’s Immediate Mandate: Ol Kalou and 10 Million Members

The newly appointed Secretary-General has been handed an aggressive checklist by the party leadership. His first major test will be on the ground in Nyandarua County, where he is expected to deliver a parliamentary victory in the upcoming Ol Kalou constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.

Beyond the by-election, Methu has been tasked with spearheading a massive national recruitment drive to grow the party’s database from 4 million to 10 million registered members before the next general election.

“NEC has given Senator Methu [the mandate] that he, together with other leaders, take charge of the by-elections in Ol Kalou and deliver a decisive victory to the DCP party,” Gachagua added.

Navigating Potential Legal Hurdles

The political appointment is bound to attract intense legal scrutiny, given that Senator Methu was elected to office on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Dual party affiliation can lead to a member losing their seat under Kenyan law.

Anticipating a legal showdown from the ruling coalition, Gachagua assured supporters that DCP’s legal team is already prepared to handle any constitutional petitions or challenges regarding the appointment.

Accepting his new role, Senator Methu dismissed potential legal obstacles by drawing historical parallels to the previous election cycle. He reminded critics that in the run-up to the 2022 polls, William Ruto actively transitioned into the leadership of UDA while technically serving as the Deputy President under a Jubilee Party administration.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to return to the Milimani Law Courts today, Thursday, May 7, for the continuation of his high-stakes petition challenging his 2024 removal from office. The case is being presided over by a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Erick Ogolla, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi. The court is expected to issue directions on various pending applications and hear substantive arguments regarding the constitutionality of the impeachment process.

Shift in Legal Strategy: Compensation Over Reinstatement

In a significant turn of events, Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has officially abandoned his pursuit of being reinstated to the Office of the Deputy President. According to his lead counsel, Senior Counsel Paul Muite, the legal team has pivoted its focus toward seeking financial compensation for lost remuneration, general damages for losses incurred due to what he terms an “unlawful” removal, and formal constitutional declarations that the process violated legal standards.

“The petitioner has abandoned the prayer for reinstatement as Deputy President,” Muite informed the court, signaling a shift toward clearing Gachagua’s name and securing a financial settlement.

Grounds of the Petition

Gachagua’s legal team maintains that the impeachment process concluded by Parliament in October 2024 was fundamentally flawed. During the initial hearing on April 27, the former DP argued that the exercise failed to meet the mandatory legal threshold for public participation and was procedurally irregular by not adhering to strict constitutional requirements. Furthermore, Gachagua has previously alleged that the process was tainted by corruption, claiming that bribes were solicited within the National Assembly and the Senate to secure the votes necessary for his ousting.

A Historic Case

Rigathi Gachagua holds the distinction of being the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be successfully impeached. While the political landscape has since moved forward, this judicial review remains a critical test of parliamentary procedures and the constitutional protections afforded to the holders of the nation’s second-highest office. As the bench listens to today’s arguments, the outcome could set a major precedent for future executive and legislative interactions in Kenya.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed a renewed sense of optimism as the High Court in Nairobi began a decisive three-day hearing regarding his 2024 removal from office. Arriving at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, April 27, 2026, Gachagua took to his X account to describe the day as a “significant milestone” in his quest for justice.

“Day 1 at the Milimani High Court on hearing of the impeachment case,” he shared. “May Justice prevail. God Bless Kenya.”

A Renewed Legal Strategy

This latest phase of the constitutional petition sees Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, shifting focus toward both the legality of the process and the financial entitlements of the office. Gachagua is now formally asking the court to:

• Overturn the Impeachment: Contesting the legality and outcome of the 2024 Senate decision.

• Award Full Remuneration: Seeking the payment of salaries, benefits, and entitlements he would have earned had he remained in office for the full term.

During the opening arguments, Muite criticized the “lightning speed” of the original 2024 proceedings, arguing that the rush violated constitutional safeguards and denied Gachagua a fair opportunity to defend himself.

The Bench and the Background

The case is being heard by a high-profile three-judge bench consisting of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi. This is the same panel that Gachagua had previously challenged, following a January 2026 Supreme Court ruling that dismissed his bid to halt the proceedings, thereby clearing the way for this substantive hearing on merit.

The 2024 Impeachment Recap:

• October 1, 2024: MP Mwengi Mutuse tabled a motion with 11 charges, including gross constitutional violations and inciting ethnic tensions.

• October 8, 2024: The National Assembly passed the motion with an overwhelming majority (281–44).

• October 17, 2024: Following a Senate trial where Gachagua was hospitalized and unable to testify, Senators upheld five charges and voted for his removal.

Political Stakes and Future Ambitions

Since his removal, Gachagua has transitioned from the Kenya Kwanza administration to lead the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). His physical presence in court underscores the high stakes of the battle, as the outcome will significantly impact his eligibility for the 2027 General Election.

As the court continues to hear arguments over the scheduled three-day session, all eyes remain on the judiciary to see if it will uphold the 2024 ouster or provide the former Deputy President with a landmark legal victory and financial restitution.

A pharmacy in Kenya has come under sharp public scrutiny after a video circulated online showing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua purchasing and taking medication.

The footage, reportedly recorded without his consent, has triggered a nationwide debate on patient privacy, consent, and professional ethics within healthcare settings.

Professional Body Condemns Incident

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) responded swiftly, issuing a strongly worded statement condemning the recording as a serious violation of healthcare standards.

In its communication shared on social media, the PSK emphasised that pharmacies are medical environments where individuals are entitled to dignity, discretion, and confidentiality.

The society stated that filming any client inside a pharmacy without permission amounts to a breach of privacy and undermines healthcare confidentiality.

“Recording any client within a pharmacy setting without consent constitutes a serious breach of privacy and healthcare confidentiality,” the statement read.

The organisation further reminded both the public and practitioners that safeguarding personal health information is a fundamental ethical duty, not a discretionary practice.

Ethical and Legal Obligations

In Kenya, pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists operate under strict legal and professional regulations. Upon qualification, they take an oath committing to prioritise patient welfare and maintain confidentiality at all times.

The PSK noted that pharmacists undergo extensive university training to manage clinical decisions and ensure patient safety. The incident has therefore raised concerns about whether those present at the pharmacy adhered to the core principles governing the profession.

Inquiry Launched

The PSK has initiated steps to establish the identity of the pharmacy and the individuals captured in the video. It is also verifying the outlet’s licensing status to determine whether regulatory action is warranted.

“PSK is undertaking due diligence to verify the identity and licensing status of the outlet and the professionals involved so that appropriate regulatory steps may be taken if necessary,” the statement added.

The society’s president, Dr Wairimu Mbogo, signed the communication, stressing that every Kenyan — regardless of public status — is entitled to confidential healthcare services.

“Regardless of public profile or status, every Kenyan has the right to confidential healthcare,” she affirmed.

Safeguarding Public Confidence

The controversy has reignited discussion about the importance of ensuring that pharmacy outlets are managed by properly trained and licensed professionals. The PSK maintains that adherence to professional standards is critical to preserving public trust and protecting the integrity of the healthcare system.

As the video continues to circulate online, the professional body says its focus remains on preventing similar breaches in the future and upholding the standards of pharmaceutical practice in Kenya.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for publicly attacking Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo, cautioning that the statements were “reckless and dangerous.”

In a press statement released on Thursday, December 4, the council warned that a senior political figure singling out a reporter by name could potentially incite violence and place the journalist in severe personal danger.

“Singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” the statement read, adding that such targeted attacks on individual journalists are “utterly unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and lives.”

The MCK noted that such incidents are particularly concerning as the country approaches the 2027 General Elections, a period where media security and independence are crucial.

The Context of the Attack

The condemnation follows Gachagua’s remarks on December 3, where he labelled Stephen Letoo the “worst journalist,” accused him of bias, and called for his dismissal by Royal Media Services (RMS), the parent company of Citizen TV.

Gachagua’s criticism stemmed from Letoo’s report on a church incident where police allegedly lobbed teargas to separate rival political supporters during an event attended by the former Deputy President. Gachagua accused Letoo and other media outlets of reporting “outright lies and falsehoods.”

“I want to talk to Citizen TV. Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there,” Gachagua stated, later adding: “I am a fan of Citizen TV and RMS, but I want to report my disappointment with Letoo for that fake news filed on Sunday.”

Constitutional Mandate

In its response, the media council reminded all political actors that media freedom and the safety of journalists are rights enshrined in Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution. The MCK also urged law enforcement agencies to provide necessary security for media workers experiencing risks.

The statement concluded with a stern reminder: “The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempting to suppress it.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has returned to the country, following a political tour in the United States that was cut short. His arrival on Thursday afternoon was marked by a large and enthusiastic reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which caused significant security and traffic disruptions.

Upon his landing, Gachagua was received by a delegation of political allies and supporters, including DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara. As he disembarked, hundreds of supporters thronged the airport’s arrival terminal, chanting his name and singing solidarity songs. The charged atmosphere at the airport forced security officers to intervene and manage the crowd, which was eager to hear from their leader.

The high turnout and the ensuing commotion led police to erect barricades on several roads, disrupting traffic flow along the Mombasa Highway and the Expressway. The crowd’s mobilization was not unexpected; hours before Gachagua’s arrival, Malala had announced that the party had formally notified the police about their plans for a peaceful procession from JKIA through the Nairobi Central Business District to the Kamukunji Grounds.

While Gachagua did not address the crowds at the airport, reports indicate that he was scheduled to speak at the planned rally later in the day. His return and the massive reception signal a significant moment in his political career and a strong show of support from his base

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has once again entered the political fray, this time directing sharp criticism at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In a pointed statement, Sudi drew a stark contrast between what he described as President William Ruto’s inclusive leadership style and Gachagua’s allegedly dismissive attitude, despite both leaders’ educational backgrounds.

Speaking during a public address, Sudi came to the defense of President Ruto, characterizing him as a leader who actively seeks and values input from all Kenyans, regardless of their education level. According to Sudi, Ruto’s success as a leader stems from his ability to listen to a diverse range of perspectives.

“Ruto has several degrees, but he still listens to people who didn’t go far in school. That’s what makes him a great leader,” Sudi stated, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in humility and the willingness to engage with all stakeholders.

In a direct comparison, Sudi accused Deputy President Gachagua of being unresponsive to suggestions from colleagues, including those with significant political experience. Sudi suggested that Gachagua’s reluctance to engage and heed advice from his peers may have contributed to the recent tensions and perceived divisions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.

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“He has one degree, yet he didn’t want to listen to us when we gave him advice,” Sudi remarked, implying that Gachagua’s academic credentials do not translate into effective leadership.

Sudi’s comments come amid growing speculation of internal fractures within the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Gachagua has recently faced criticism over his leadership approach, particularly from leaders in the Central Kenya region who have felt sidelined and unheard.

Sudi’s remarks are likely to intensify the debate over the political direction of the Kenya Kwanza government and the critical roles of both Ruto and Gachagua in maintaining the coalition’s unity. The message from the Kapseret legislator is clear: in politics, the measure of a leader’s wisdom is not always found in academic degrees but in the ability to listen and engage with those around them.

Opposition leaders are demanding the immediate resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, threatening impeachment proceedings if he fails to step down. Their calls stem from Murkomen’s controversial “shoot-to-kill” directive regarding attacks on police stations, which they assert is unconstitutional and endangers citizens’ lives.

The leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, made their stance clear during a visit to the family of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker recently killed during protests. Wamalwa explicitly stated, “Mr. Murkomen, the least you can do as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior is to resign immediately. We fully support the impeachment motion being brought against you, and we urge all opposition Members of Parliament to back it without hesitation.”

Wamalwa argued that Murkomen’s remarks and recent events in the country constitute an abuse of office and a threat to public safety, echoing similar condemnations from Kalonzo Musyoka.

“We want to ask President Ruto and CS Murkomen, is this the good job you have been talking about? Shooting youths and killing them aimlessly—is this what you are calling a good job?” Wamalwa questioned.

The impeachment motion is reportedly being prepared by lawmakers angered by Murkomen’s public comments made during a tour of Nairobi’s CBD in the aftermath of the June 25 protests, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. During that tour, Murkomen controversially directed police officers to use lethal force against anyone attempting to steal from a police station. “Anyone approaching a police station, shoot them; a gun is not a toy,” Murkomen had declared.

Members of Parliament from former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have already indicated their plans to initiate the impeachment motion against Murkomen, a move fully supported by Eugene Wamalwa.

“This Parliament must stand firm. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has overstepped his mandate by issuing unconstitutional directives that endanger lives. We cannot sit back and watch,” Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji stated on Sunday, with other MPs from the DCP camp echoing his sentiments.

While the impeachment motion has yet to be formally tabled, pressure continues to mount from opposition leaders who have vowed to hold Murkomen accountable for his statements. The Interior CS has faced increasing scrutiny as cases of forced disappearances, police brutality, and general insecurity continue to rise across the country.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in deep mourning following the passing of his only surviving maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua. In a profoundly emotional post shared on Saturday, June 28, Gachagua described the day as his “lowest,” grappling with the loss of an aunt who had stepped into a pivotal mother figure role after his own mother passed away in 2019.

Gachagua recounted receiving a distressing call at 3:00 am, informing him of his aunt’s critical illness. He immediately arranged for her to be rushed to Jamii Hospital in Karatina, planning to visit her later that day. Initially, he was told her condition was stable, prompting him to confidently depart for Karatina at 2:00 pm. However, a significant traffic jam near Ruiru delayed his journey by nearly 30 minutes.

The delay proved heartbreakingly significant. Gachagua arrived at the hospital only to be informed that his aunt had passed away at 4:05 pm – a mere five minutes before his arrival. “I was five minutes late. I have no one to turn to in this grief and pain. I have lost a mentor and a counselor,” Gachagua narrated in his poignant post.

According to the former DP, his aunt was far more than just a family member; she was his steadfast mother figure, prayer warrior, and unwavering cheerleader following his mother’s death. He fondly recalled cherished childhood visits to her farm, where she cultivated yellow passion fruits, earning her the endearing nickname “Tata wa Matunda” (the fruits’ aunt). Gachagua painted a vivid picture of their mornings filled with warm porridge, boiled maize, and laughter as they shared Mau Mau folktales and stories of the struggle in the forest.

He detailed that both his aunt and his late mother had been actively involved in the Mau Mau cause. His aunt was also instrumental in teaching him the Meru language, consistently reminding him of his deep Ameru roots.

Gachagua extended his heartfelt condolences to his aunt’s children, the village she hailed from, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. He has vowed to accord his aunt a befitting send-off, honoring her as a heroine who played a pivotal role in shaping both his personal life and his leadership journey. His sincere message has drawn an outpouring of sympathy and support, with Kenyans flooding the comment section to condole with the DCP party leader during his time of profound grief.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is making a surprising political comeback—this time, not through press conferences or rallies, but via TikTok. Since his impeachment, Gachagua has rebranded himself as a fierce government critic, gaining traction among disillusioned Kenyans. But it’s his recent livestream that truly shook the internet.

On June 27, 2025, Gachagua hosted a fiery TikTok Live session, blasting President William Ruto’s administration while interacting with thousands of viewers. During the stream, he received 78 Lion gifts—TikTok’s premium virtual reward, each valued at $400 (KSh 51,800). The total? A staggering KSh 4 million, though TikTok takes a 50% commission, likely leaving him with around KSh 2 million.

This makes Gachagua the first Kenyan politician to earn big money directly from TikTok gifting, and his windfall quickly sparked heated discussion online.

Public Reaction: Genius Move or Shady Business?

On X (formerly Twitter), Kenyans were split:

• @rgc99f2byt: “Why are people gifting a billionaire politician? Make it make sense.”

• @air_b3nderrr: “He’s probably gifting himself through burner accounts for attention.”

• @TheDiplomat_Ke: “This looks like money laundering disguised as fan support.”

• @juskems: “This reeks of wash-wash. Probably his team ‘gifting’ him to sanitise cash.”

Not the First: Kenya’s TikTok Gifting Craze

Gachagua joins a growing list of Kenyan figures who’ve tapped into TikTok’s lucrative gifting system:

• King Roso, an anonymous philanthropist, made headlines for sending out massive Lion gifts. In March 2024, he gifted TikToker Nyako 70 Lions on her birthday—worth over KSh 1.5 million.
  He also donated KSh 850,000 to the late Brian Chira’s funeral and encouraged followers to help build a house for Chira’s grandmother.

  Nyako, often calling Roso her “money bag,” once pleaded live, “Send 10 Lions for my kids’ birthdays!”

• Pastor Victor Kanyari, another controversial figure, claimed in April 2024 that he had earned over KSh 400,000 through TikTok Live.
  “I’ve been gifted for free—I’ll donate it to a children’s home,” he said, before jokingly asking King Roso for five Lions: “Send them so I may die!”

Gifting or Laundering?

As TikTok gifting culture grows in Kenya, questions persist. Is this genuine support, clout-chasing with fake accounts, or a clever tool for cleaning dirty money? While Gachagua’s political pivot has certainly turned heads, the nature of his TikTok success is still under scrutiny.

What’s clear, however, is that TikTok is no longer just a stage for dancers and influencers—it’s now a serious financial and political tool.