Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has responded to remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, making fresh claims about an alleged failed plan to impeach President William Ruto during his time as deputy.
Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday, April 19, Duale claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta undermined Ruto between 2017 and 2022 and had intentions to remove him from office but lacked the numbers in the National Assembly.
“I want to confirm to Rigathi, the people you are working with disrespected Ruto when he was deputy president, and they also humiliated you,” Duale says.
He further alleges that an impeachment attempt did not materialise because Ruto had strong backing in Parliament at the time.
“Uhuru did not have the numbers to impeach William Ruto. I was the leader of the majority, and I was leading over 145 MPs, solid behind Ruto, which made it impossible,” Duale adds.
Duale’s remarks come hours after Gachagua cautions him against criticising Uhuru, arguing that despite political differences, the former president never attempted to impeach Ruto.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta never paid members of Parliament to impeach William Ruto as Deputy President,” Gachagua says during a church service in Murang’a.
Gachagua also accuses Ruto of orchestrating political attacks against him after he left office, including alleged harassment and restrictions on his political activities—claims that have not been independently verified.
He contrasts this with his time under Uhuru, stating that Ruto had freedom to move across the country, including frequent visits to the Mount Kenya region without interference.
The exchange highlights renewed tensions linked to the fallout between Ruto and Uhuru, which became evident after the 2018 handshake between Uhuru and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto was widely perceived to have been sidelined in government operations during the later years of Uhuru’s presidency, with speculation at the time about a possible impeachment that never materialised.
The latest remarks also come against the backdrop of Gachagua’s own impeachment in 2024, which he has previously described as politically motivated, while Duale attributes it to internal political dynamics.
The developments underscore ongoing political tensions and shifting alliances as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Elections.