Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has boldly challenged President William Ruto to take legal action against him over claims that he is disclosing classified information.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Weru TV on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Gachagua made it clear that he would not be intimidated by such threats, declaring that he was ready to face jail time if it meant continuing to expose what he perceives as government corruption and illegal activities.
According to Gachagua, a high-ranking cabinet secretary from Ruto’s inner circle, recently issued a chilling warning to him and other dissenting leaders, threatening jail time for exposing government secrets and classified information.
However, Gachagua fired back, asserting that the Kenya Kwanza government has nothing worth shielding as classified, except their corrupt schemes and covert embezzlement, which is exactly why they fear leaders like him who are determined to shine a light on their illicit activities.
“I have pioneered an era where leaders can speak the truth. For the first time, I have brought an era of truth for leaders. I watched a CS sent by Ruto claim that we could be arraigned for revealing classified information. Since when did corruption become classified? When did theft become classified? Why are we being told not to speak out when the president collaborates with criminals from Sudan to frustrate the Sudanese people, engage in illegal gold trades, and sell weapons that kill women and children in Sudan? How can crime be classified?”
Gachagua’s frustration was palpable as he passionately made his case.
He firmly stated that, despite the government’s relentless efforts to stifle his voice, he and his unwavering allies—former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi—would not be silenced in their mission to expose the rampant corruption they believe festers within the current administration.
He stressed that the three of them are sons of the Mau Mau, who had endured far worse trials and tribulations, and that was exactly why threats of imprisonment held no power over them.
According to him, prisons were built for real men, and it was both misguided and futile for Ruto and his allies to threaten them with jail, as such tactics would never break their resolve.
“I would urge that CS charge us if they wish,” he declared with conviction. “We are ready every day. These jails are for men and women, and we will continue to expose and speak about the government’s misdeeds. Alongside JB Muturi and Linturi, we will keep exposing the corruption. He should know that we are sons of the Mau Mau, and we are unshaken by these threats. Crime is not classified, nor is corruption. Give me a break.”
Turning his attention to President Ruto, Gachagua criticised the President’s approach to political rivalries, suggesting that if Ruto had grievances with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, he should address them directly, rather than relying on others to carry out his battles.
“And I would like to tell Ruto that if he wants to criticise Uhuru Kenyatta, he should do so directly, not by sending others from his camp in the Rift Valley.”
Illicit alcohol
Reflecting on his past achievements in fighting illicit alcohol trade in the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua recounted how he had successfully tackled the problem during his tenure as Deputy President.
He explained that he had initially told President Ruto about his desire to tackle the alcohol problem, and Ruto had agreed but later shifted his stance.
“I told President Ruto I wanted to fight the alcohol problem, and he agreed initially. But later, he changed his stance when I worked to save our children, especially those in Mt Kenya. Our youth were lost, sleeping in the gutters while all this harmful alcohol was being brought here. I worked tirelessly, day and night, to put an end to it.”
Gachagua expressed his disappointment that, since his removal from office, Ruto had allowed the return of illicit alcohol production and distribution.
He claimed that Ruto had since revoked the orders he had given to the police regarding the sale of illicit alcohol and further lamented that the industries producing the illegal liquor, which he had shut down, have now been flagged to resume operations.
“Now the alcohol is back. He has handed it to Mr Yes Sir and the Interior CS, and all the factories I had shut down have been reopened. All the laws I had put in place to fight illicit alcohol have been lifted. Children are dying, and everyone in Kenya knows that I, Rigathi Gachagua, as Deputy President, fought successfully to clear drugs and illicit alcohol.”
