DP Gachagua Alleges Deliberate Exclusion from Presidential Whatsapp Group

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked to be interviewed on TV on Friday evening and proceeded to strongly criticize opponents within the Kenya Kwanza government.

Gachagua defended his position and reiterated that his ultimate responsibility is to the Kenyan people. During the interview, Gachagua detailed the challenges he faces, including his unexpected removal from a crucial WhatsApp group used for scheduling presidential events. This exclusion, which also affected his chief of staff and private secretary, has left him uninformed about President William Ruto's activities. Gachagua suggests this could be a deliberate attempt to portray him as neglectful or disrespectful towards the President, potentially laying grounds for impeachment. The Deputy President expresses his dedication to his role, stressing his constant availability and respect for the office.

He voices concerns that some of the President's advisors might be exacerbating tensions between them. Gachagua emphasizes the importance of an effective working relationship for governance and public service, describing his current situation as "a nightmare" due to the lack of crucial information needed to synchronize his activities with the President's.The political implications of Gachagua's statements are noteworthy, particularly in Kenya's complex political landscape where coalition dynamics are often fragile. This unrest has amplified calls for unity within the leadership ranks, especially among his supporters from the Mt. Kenya region.

During his engagement yesterday, Gachagua felt compelled to addressing public concerns about his absence from high-profile events. He framed his removal from the WhatsApp group as a matter of transparency, arguing that the public deserves to know why their elected Deputy President is not visibly active in supporting the President. The gravity of the situation is further emphasized by reactions from various parliamentary factions. Allies such as MP Ngunjiri have warned that attempts to impeach Gachagua could lead to chaos. Meanwhile, the political landscape in Nairobi has been marked by an ongoing rivalry between Deputy Governor Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, with tensions primarily centered on control over the city's political affairs.

This conflict has manifested in various forms, most recently regarding the management of urban markets and traders. The discord was reignited when traders at Wakulima market were instructed to vacate, with Gachagua criticizing Sakaja's decision and reminding him of campaign promises to support local traders. This disagreement is part of a broader pattern of conflict between the two officials. Previous points of contention include Sakaja's attempts to relocate matatu operators and hawkers from the city centre, which Gachagua opposed. The rivalry has extended beyond local issues, with Gachagua suggesting that the national government might need to intervene in Nairobi's affairs.