NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 2 – Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion to resign amid their fallout.
Speaking at a press briefing, Nyutu, a close ally of Gachagua, accused Ruto of spreading falsehoods during his Monday televised address.
He questioned the consistency of the allegations, pointing out that similar claims had surfaced before with different figures.
“Previously, there were claims by Itumbi that Gachagua had requested Sh6.4 billion. Now it’s Sh10 billion. The inconsistencies show that these allegations are not true,” Nyutu said.
During the interview, Ruto claimed Gachagua requested the money to secure political support for him in the Mt. Kenya region.
However, Nyutu also took issue with Ruto’s statement that he had no role in Gachagua’s removal yet later admitted to giving his blessing after multiple requests from MPs.
“The President accused Gachagua of failing to advocate for government projects, yet he also admitted that his administration hadn’t implemented any major projects in two years because they were fixing the economy. That is a clear contradiction,” he argued.
Gachagua’s allies announced plans to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, challenging Ruto’s UDA party.
The seat became vacant following the nomination of MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs. If approved by Parliament, Ruku will replace Justin Muturi.
Hours after Ruto’s remarks, Gachagua took to X (formerly Twitter), labeling the president a “pathological liar” without directly naming him.
“I am now more convinced than ever that pathological lying is a mental disorder,” he wrote, accusing Ruto of misleading the nation.
Gachagua claimed that Kenya’s biggest threat was dishonesty from leaders and the failure to align their narratives. “I weep for my country, Kenya,” he added.
During his interview, Ruto had explained that Gachagua’s removal was due to his constant conflicts with government officials, including complaints about bloggers like Dennis Itumbi.
“He was not working; he was always engaged in fights and complaints. I had to intervene repeatedly until I got tired,” Ruto said.
The president further alleged that Gachagua had threatened him with a one-term presidency if the Sh10 billion demand was not met.
“I refused when he asked me for Sh10 billion, saying that if I didn’t give him the money, I would be a one-term president. This is someone I repeatedly protected from impeachment, but at some point, I gave up,” Ruto claimed.
