Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appeared on the popular Obinna Show on May 16, 2025, delivering a candid and explosive interview that touched on his impeachment, his fallout with President William Ruto, and his political plans.
The interview, hosted by Oga Obinna, sparked widespread discussion across Kenya, with clips circulating on social media platforms. Below is a detailed account of Gachagua’s key statements during the hour-long conversation.
On His Impeachment and Fallout with President Ruto
Gachagua, impeached in October 2024, addressed allegations surrounding his ouster, which stemmed from charges of corruption, insubordination, and promoting ethnically divisive politics.
He denied all accusations, reiterating that they were politically motivated. “The impeachment was a scheme to silence me because I spoke the truth,” Gachagua said, accusing Ruto of orchestrating his removal after their relationship soured.
He claimed Ruto demanded his loyalty but sidelined him when he began questioning government decisions.
When asked about reports of being slapped at State House, Gachagua dismissed the claim as “propaganda” but admitted to heated exchanges with Ruto.
“There was no physical altercation, but let’s just say we had extreme disagreements,” he said, chuckling.
He accused Ruto of betraying the Mount Kenya region, which overwhelmingly supported their 2022 election victory. “I helped Ruto win, but he turned against the people who put him in power,” Gachagua stated.
“Who would dare slap me, even when Ruto shouted at me? I shouted back at him!”
Gachagua on the allegations of being slapped by Farouk Kibet at the State House.
On General Ogolla’s Death
Addressing speculation about the death of General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash, Gachagua was cautious but pointed.
“I don’t know who killed General Ogolla, and although I dislike Ruto, I can’t necessarily say he did it,” he said, prompting gasps from the audience.
He added that the circumstances surrounding Ogolla’s death raised questions but emphasised he had no evidence to implicate anyone. This statement quickly went viral, with X users amplifying the clip.
"I don't know who killed General Ogolla although I dislike Ruto I can't necessarily say he did"
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) May 17, 2025
Rigathi Gachagua:pic.twitter.com/h0ym8qcQC0
Criticism of President Ruto
Gachagua did not hold back in his criticism of Ruto, whom he repeatedly referred to as “Wantam,” a nickname he claimed Kenyans had given the president.
“Kenyans have asked me to deal with Wantam. He’s the problem for all Kenyans, and he’s my full-time job until it’s done,” Gachagua declared, drawing cheers from the studio audience.
He accused Ruto of mismanaging the economy and ignoring the plight of ordinary Kenyans. “The guy would even come here and cry real tears, I’m telling you, machozi,” he said, mocking Ruto’s public displays of emotion.
He also regretted supporting Ruto in the 2022 election, admitting he was wrong about former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s warnings.
“Uhuru was right, and I was wrong,” Gachagua said, referencing Kenyatta’s doubt about Ruto’s leadership. He claimed Kenyatta had tried to caution him, but he was “blinded by ambition” at the time.
President William Ruto’s Net Worth
“In my estimation, Ruto must have made Sh3-4 trillion in the past 2 years,” said Rigathi. So President Ruto’s net worth could be approximately Sh5 trillion. The President has a bank with sources that claim SHA, eCitizen and other state money. You can learn about the bank here.
“In My estimation, Ruto Must have made 3-4 Trillion in the past 2 years”
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) May 17, 2025
Rigathi Gachagua pic.twitter.com/kjzdNwtndD
On Sudan War Allegations
Gachagua reiterated claims he made in April 2025, accusing Ruto of being the “real commander” of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and facilitating gold laundering through Nairobi.
He alleged that his refusal to invite RSF leader Hemeti for a second visit, as requested by Ruto, contributed to their fallout. “I told him I wouldn’t do it. That’s when things got worse between us,” Gachagua said.
These allegations, first reported by Middle East Eye, remain unproven and have been denied by Ruto’s administration.
Political Future and Mount Kenya Region
Gachagua hinted at a political comeback, vowing to remain a voice for the Mount Kenya region. “I’m not done. The people of Mount Kenya know I stood for them, and they will decide my next move,” he said.
He criticised MPs who supported his impeachment, calling them “traitors” and claiming they faced backlash from constituents. He cited incidents where Ruto’s allies, including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, were heckled at public events.
He also addressed his supporters, promising to reschedule a previously cancelled TV interview from November 2024, which he claimed was derailed due to government pressure. “I owe my people the truth, and I will keep speaking,” he said.
Personal Reflections
Gachagua struck a reflective tone when discussing his tenure as deputy president. “I thought I could change things from within, but I learned the hard way that power corrupts,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, particularly those who stood by him during his impeachment trial, and vowed to continue advocating for accountability. “My fight is not for me; it’s for the Kenyan people,” he concluded.
Public Reaction
The interview dominated social media, with X posts praising Gachagua’s candour while others questioned his motives. “Rigathi is speaking the truth, but is he also settling scores?” one user wrote.
Another post read, “This Obinna interview has exposed Ruto. Gachagua is coming for his neck!” The hashtag #ObinnaShow trended in Kenya, reflecting the interview’s impact.
As Kenya digests Gachagua’s revelations, the Obinna Show has cemented its place as a platform for unfiltered political discourse, with the former deputy president’s appearance likely to fuel debates for weeks to come.
