Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims that President William Ruto will have to leave office for the country to heal and grow, asserting that his exit is essential to stop corruption, restore the health system, and revive education in Kenya.
In a fiery statement on August 26, 2025, Gachagua accused Ruto of perpetuating systemic graft and mismanaging public resources, claims that have fueled public discontent and sparked heated debates across the nation.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over Kenya’s governance, with citizens demanding accountability for stalled projects and misallocated funds.
Gachagua’s allegations point to a series of scandals under Ruto’s administration, including the KSh 6.6 billion lost in a controversial edible oils import deal, SHA ghost hospitals and unaccounted billions in the eCitizen platform.
He argues that Ruto’s leadership has failed to address corruption, leaving the health system in disarray and education underfunded. “The theft of public resources has crippled our nation,” Gachagua stated, urging Kenyans to push for change.
Critics criticizing Ruto’s administration for prioritizing political schemes over public welfare.The former deputy president’s call for Ruto to leave office aligns with his broader critique of the Kenya Kwanza government. Gachagua claims that Ruto’s policies have exacerbated economic challenges, pointing to the high cost of living and stalled development projects.
He insists that restoring the health system and education sector requires new leadership committed to transparency. Political analysts note that Gachagua’s remarks could galvanize opposition to Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, though his own impeachment in 2024 for alleged corruption and ethnic divisiveness complicates his credibility.
Public frustration is palpable, with many Kenyans echoing Gachagua’s demand to stop corruption. The 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Kenya 121 out of 180 countries, highlighting persistent governance issues.
Critics argue that Ruto’s anti-corruption rhetoric lacks substance, citing dropped cases against his allies, including a 2022 KSh 7.4 billion case against Gachagua himself. The High Court’s suspension of Ruto’s multi-agency anti-corruption task force in August 2025 further fuels doubt about his commitment.
Gachagua’s push to restore the health system focuses on the troubled Social Health Authority, where billions meant for universal healthcare have allegedly been misappropriated.
He also highlights the education sector’s struggles, including delayed bursaries and underfunded schools, which he claims stem from the theft of public resources.
“Ruto’s exit is the first step to fixing these systems,” Gachagua declared, rallying support from his Mt. Kenya base and beyond. As the 2027 elections loom, Gachagua’s call for Ruto’s exit has intensified political tensions.
Supporters argue that his exit would pave the way for reforms to stop corruption and rebuild critical sectors.
