Speaking at Muturi’s book launch in Nairobi, Gachagua said the discussions were tense, with both of them opposing several controversial clauses in the Bill.
He claimed that President Ruto would often send messages to Cabinet members, giving clear instructions on the government’s stand.
“During the Finance Bill meetings, we knew what was coming. The President wanted things done a certain way, and he kept sending messages through allies in Cabinet,” Gachagua recalled.
According to Gachagua, to avoid external pressure and maintain their independence, he and Muturi decided to switch off their phones whenever the Finance Bill was on the table.
“JB and I agreed to leave our phones off so that Ruto could not reach us. By the time he realized we were not responding, the discussions had already taken a different turn,” he said.
Gachagua went on to reveal that he personally warned the President that the Bill was unpopular with Kenyans and would damage the government’s reputation.
“I told him, boss, this Bill cannot pass the test of the people. Kenyans will not accept it, and it will paint our administration badly,” Gachagua added.
The former deputy president praised Muturi, describing him as one of the few men in Cabinet who dared to tell the President the truth.
Gachagua noted that after his own impeachment, Muturi remained the only honest voice in government—until his replacement by Geoffrey Ruku.
“When I left, JB was the last man standing. Now that he’s out too, there’s no one left to tell the President the truth. The Cabinet is now full of ‘yes-men’ and flower girls,” Gachagua lamented.
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