Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rejected President William Ruto’s allegations that he extorted businesspeople during efforts to combat illicit alcohol.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, Gachagua highlighted that significant progress had been made in the fight against drugs and substance abuse while he was in office, claiming that the initiative was largely successful in reducing access to illicit alcohol among the youth.
He further accused President Ruto of employing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior PS Raymond Omollo to undermine the program’s success.
Gachagua Responds to Ruto Over Claims of Extorting Liquor Distributors. Photo: Courtesy.
“The fight against Drugs and Substance Abuse was 70% won under my stewardship. Our young men stopped taking illicit alcohol as it was not available. You were angry that an entire generation had been saved. You used Mr. Kindiki and Raymond Omollo to frustrate the success,” Gachagua noted.
The opposition leader alleged that President Ruto appointed individuals involved in drug trafficking to his Cabinet, contributing to Kenya’s reported rise as an international drug transit and destination point.
Gachagua said he repeatedly raised concerns with the Head of State regarding the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol, but his efforts were reportedly ignored.
He also recalled publicly confronting President Ruto during a church function in Nyandarua County in 2024, after growing frustrated with what he described as interference in his initiatives.
This development comes a day after President William Ruto accused his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, of failing to deliver on assignments entrusted to him.
During a speech in Homa Bay County on Sunday, March 22, President Ruto alleged that Gachagua was involved in extortion and collaborated with cartels, including in the coffee sector, where he claimed farmers were improperly charged.
The President also questioned Gachagua’s leadership credentials, stating that he lacks the capacity to lead effectively in Kenya.
