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Kenya, November 09, 2026 - President William Ruto has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of extorting businesspeople and political aspirants seeking elective positions through his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Speaking at Nyangori in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira County, on Monday, President Ruto alleged that Gachagua was demanding millions of shillings from aspirants, including KSh50,000 for an opportunity to address a political rally.
The President also accused the former Deputy President of previously soliciting money from traders and businesspeople when he was assigned responsibilities in the fight against alcohol abuse.
“He is an extortionist. He is demanding money from those who want to vie for positions using his party ticket,” Ruto said.
He dismissed Gachagua's claims that he played a decisive role in his election as President, arguing that the former Mathira MP had received only four votes from the Mt Kenya MPs caucus during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) running mate selection process.
Ruto said he personally intervened to persuade the caucus to accept Gachagua as his running mate.
The President further criticised Gachagua for alleging that people were being paid to attend government political rallies, insisting that Kenyans were capable of making independent political choices.
“Please respect Kenyans. You are an extortionist and you have no moral authority to lecture us. Just shut up!” he told the former Deputy President.
Ruto also accused Gachagua of spreading false claims about government projects, citing the Rironi-Mau Summit road, Bomas International Convention Complex and Gikomba Market.
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He maintained that construction of the road was ongoing and that work on Bomas and Gikomba was being completed.
Separately, President Ruto announced that the government had released KSh1.2 billion towards the revival and modernisation of tea factories across the country.
He said the investment would upgrade production facilities to international standards and strengthen local factories' capacity for value addition, enabling farmers to earn better returns.
The President added that a further KSh2.5 billion would be allocated in the next financial year to help tea factories transition to cheaper and more efficient energy sources, including solar power.
He also pledged to address disparities in bonus payments between tea farmers in the East and West of the Rift Valley, following concerns raised by leaders from the region.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo called for equal treatment of farmers, arguing that tea growers in the western region should receive bonuses comparable to those paid to farmers in the east.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also called for fairness in tea bonus payments.
During the visit, Ruto flagged off the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project in Nyangori, which is expected to benefit 150 households. He said 2,000 homes in Kitutu Masaba Constituency would be connected to electricity at a cost of KSh160 million.