President William Ruto calls Gachagua a petty thief in a blistering attack during a public event in Mandera, telling his former deputy he has no right to criticise food relief efforts after past allegations of stealing supplies. The sharp words came as Ruto launched the NYOTA programme in the drought-hit county, firing back at Rigathi Gachagua’s recent complaints about government handling of hunger crises.
Ruto didn’t hold back at the podium. “You’re the last person, the least qualified, with no moral authority to tell anybody anything on matters of food relief because you’re a petty thief,” he said, voice rising over the crowd.
The remark referenced old claims that Gachagua lost a District Officer job years ago for diverting drought aid – accusations revived by allies like Deputy President Kithure Kindiki just days earlier. Ruto painted Gachagua as fired for the same offence he now lectures on, drawing cheers from supporters but gasps online.
The clash stems from Gachagua’s growing criticism since impeachment. He’s hammered the administration on drought response, saying relief reaches slowly or not at all in needy areas.
The Mandera event gave Ruto the perfect stage to hit back hard, framing it as hypocrisy from someone with dirty hands. “You were sacked for stealing food meant for starving people,” he repeated the line, the crowd nodding along.
Supporters praised Ruto for calling it straight, saying thieves can’t lecture on honesty. “Finally someone says it loud,” one popular reply read. Critics slammed the tone, calling it low from a president – personal attacks over policy debate. “Thief calling thief?” another fired, pointing fingers both ways.
Gachagua has stayed quiet in public so far, with no direct response. His camp was dismissed as a deflection from real hunger issues hitting Northeastern and other dry lands. Families wait for aid, politicians trade barbs — a classic Kenya mix many sigh over.
This feud runs deep since impeachment. Once close allies campaigning together, now bitter rivals trading blows in public. Ruto pushes the delivery narrative, and Gachagua positions himself as the people’s defender against the “one-man show”.
Food relief hits sensitive spots – drought kills livestock, empties granaries, and leaves kids hungry. Allegations of diversion sting extra when bellies are empty.
The Mandera launch aimed positive – the NYOTA programme for youth jobs and community projects. But Ruto’s rant stole the show, with NYOTA turning the aid event into political theatre. Locals cheered the fire, but national talk focuses on the fallout.
Kenyans debate decency in leadership. President name-calling from the podium? Some say passion shows care; others want focus on fixes, not fights. Old allegations against Gachagua — always denied — resurface conveniently. Truth buried in history, but pain fresh for many.
The rift widens daily. Gachagua builds a new party, rallies crowds, and Ruto tours and delivers. Food relief continues slowly in spots; politics heats up faster. Kenya watches wearily — when leaders fight, who feeds the hungry? For now, “petty thief” echoes loud, and wounds reopen. Healing is far off.
