Gachagua speaks on why his relationship with Ruto worsened
The Democracy for Citizens’ Party Leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has said the ordering of the Gen Zs to be killed on June 25, 2024, during anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations, was the main reason he parted ways with President William Ruto.
Speaking in California on Monday, August 11, 2025, the former second in command said the events of that day marked an irreversible difference between him and the President.
Why Gachagua parted ways with Ruto
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He explained that while they had disagreed on various issues in the past, the events in June 2024 created a rift they could not bridge.
“The killings must stop. The abductions must stop. And it is good for me to tell you because most of you have been away for a long time.
“I was elected with William Ruto alongside him as his Deputy, and we differed with him on many things, especially on corruption, theft, and misappropriation of public resources.
“But what broke the camel’s back and made me and him disagree irreversibly was the ordering of the killings of the Gen Zs on June 25, 2024,” he said.
Also, Gachagua recounted that the day after the incident, on June 26, 2024, he travelled to Mombasa to meet the President.
“I flew to Mombasa, where I told him off, and that made us not talk again until he mobilised resources, bribed the MPs and senators to remove me from office,” he added.
Gachagua, Ruto clash on graft
The former Deputy President noted that he and Mr Ruto had often held different views on governance, especially regarding integrity and the management of public funds.
While acknowledging that disagreements are normal in leadership, he said some actions went against fundamental values and could not be ignored.
According to Mr Gachagua, a good leader must protect citizens and uphold justice, adding that such qualities are essential for Kenya’s progress.
He told the gathering in California that the safety of young people and the protection of democratic freedoms should be a priority for any administration.
Mr Gachagua is currently on a two-month tour of the United States, meeting Kenyans living abroad to discuss national issues and share his views on governance, development, and unity.
