Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President Ruto’s decision to host RSF leaders Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Gachagua accused Ruto of prioritizing personal and commercial interests over national welfare.
He further alleged that the president was involved in gold trade with RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo who is popularly known as Hemedti.
Gachagua accuses Ruto of prioritizing personal and commercial interests over national welfare. Photo: Courtesy.
“What is happening is the president has put his personal and commercial interests ahead of the country’s interests. That’s the problem. They are doing business with the RSF chief of gold that is being gotten from that area, brought to Nairobi and taken to Dubai. Yes, I can substantiate that,” Gachagua claimed.
According to Gachagua, during his tenure as DP, he had been asked by Ruto to facilitate a meeting with Hemedti, despite the sensitive nature of such engagements.
“One time and, you know, diplomatically, the president cannot invite Hemedti here because he was vice president and he asked me to invite him on his behalf. He called me and said, sign this letter, invite Hemedti here because I want to have a discussion,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua went on to explain that the meeting had no ties to Kenya’s national interests, as he was quickly dismissed from the room after the introductions.
“I did invite Hemedti and welcomed him and delivered him to the president. It was nothing about Kenya. They were just discussing business about gold, about such other things. I introduced him and then I was told to leave because it had nothing to do with Kenya. If it had anything to do with Kenya, I would have sat through the meeting. After they were through, I’m the one who took him to the airport and I inquired. They are doing business. So it is putting Kenya in a very bad light. Very, very bad light,” Gachagua revealed.
He moreover expressed deep concern over Ruto’s alleged disregard for Kenya’s international standing, warning that his actions could permanently damage the country’s diplomatic relations.
