Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, claiming that individuals linked to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Ruto’s political team attempted to establish what he planned to say before delivering a speech.
Gachagua portrayed the alleged incident as evidence of growing political anxiety within government over his public statements.
He suggested that officials were closely monitoring his activities and seeking information about his political messaging.
The allegation, however, remains Gachagua’s claim, and there is no independent verification presented to substantiate NIS involvement.
Gachagua has increasingly emerged as one of Ruto’s strongest critics since their political relationship collapsed.
The two campaigned together under the Kenya Kwanza alliance in the 2022 presidential election, but their partnership deteriorated significantly during Ruto’s first term.
In October 2024, Gachagua was removed from the deputy presidency following an impeachment process that highlighted deep divisions within the ruling coalition.
Since leaving office, he has remained politically active, attacking the government over issues including the cost of living, taxation, unemployment, public debt and government spending.
His latest remarks fit into a wider political narrative in which he presents himself as a voice for Kenyans dissatisfied with the administration.
Gachagua argues that the government has drifted away from the promises made during the 2022 campaign, while Ruto’s supporters maintain that difficult economic reforms are necessary to stabilize the country.
The latest confrontation is therefore about more than a single speech. It reflects the continuing political rivalry between two former allies whose relationship has become increasingly hostile.