Gachagua launches scathing attack on Ruto, drags Macron and Guterres into Kenya political storm
News Updated: 13 May 2026 12:15 EAT
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua delivering his speech at the DCP headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday 12th May 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has delivered one of his strongest public attacks yet against President William Ruto, accusing him of authoritarian conduct, human rights violations, and misuse of international diplomacy during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The remarks, drawn from a recorded transcript of his briefing, also directly referenced visiting leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, escalating the political tone of the address.
Gachagua said President Ruto was hosting world leaders and non-African political actors to seek political legitimacy amid growing domestic pressure.
“Over the weekend and better part of the beginning of this week, William Ruto has hosted some world leaders and non-African dictators to get an affirmation and a breather in the reality that he's one-term president and get a reprieve of the political pressure in the country.”
He argued that the diplomatic engagements were being used to shield the administration from internal accountability.
He further dismissed the Africa Forward Summit as lacking substance, claiming it was designed for political optics rather than national benefit.
“The African forward summit happening in Nairobi is just a sideshow of Mr. William R towing Kenyans on the matters that affect them.”
According to Gachagua, the government was prioritizing international visibility over domestic challenges affecting citizens.
In his most forceful criticism of President Ruto, Gachagua used strongly worded accusations regarding governance and human rights.
“William Ruto, a man who is the greatest disrespecter of the rule of law, the greatest human rights violator, a vicious man, a colorless character, a corn master and a practicing dictator on internship from Sulu Yerimi and his contemporaries from other African countries...”
The remarks marked an unusually direct and personal political attack on a sitting head of state.
He also raised allegations of insecurity in northern Kenya, claiming civilians had been killed in cross-border incidents.
“Three days ago, six Kenyans in Mandera were brutally butchered by Jubilant forces who continue to illegally occupy the Kenyan soil.”
These claims were made in reference to ongoing security concerns in border regions.
Gachagua further alleged widespread violence against civilians, including incidents involving women and children.
“Women and children are tortured and attacked in churches with live ammunitions, tear gas canisters and the brutality of clubs and machetes not once nor twice.”
He argued that the country was facing systematic repression under the current administration.
He also accused the government of deliberately creating fear to influence political outcomes.
“Mr. William R is in a mischievous way creating electro fear and voter suppression. Kenya risks slipping into anarchy.”
The statement linked governance practices to potential electoral manipulation and instability.
Gachagua referenced international incidents involving asylum seekers, alleging forced deportations and torture.
“For instance, in October 2024, seven Turkish asylum seekers were abducted in Arab a mafia style and brutally tortured. Four were forcibly returned to Turkey despite international criticism regarding the principle of non-refoulement.”
He used the claims to question Kenya’s adherence to international human rights obligations.
He also cited the case of Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, alleging cross-border political abduction.
“In October 2024, Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and deported to Uganda to face political charges in the January 2025.”
The remarks suggested Kenya’s involvement in regional political disputes.
Gachagua further alleged the presence of foreign nationals linked to criminal activity operating within Kenya under official protection.
“The following is the list of criminals from Somalia, Zimbabwe, southern Sudan and Sudan who have been issued with Kenyan pass, Kenyan diplomatic passport and they are housed here in Nairobi by William R and they continue to cause havoc in their countries.”
The claims added to his broader accusations of weak governance and security lapses.
He also raised concerns about Kenyans allegedly involved in foreign conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war.
“As of May 2026, over 1,000 Kenyans are estimated to have been led into fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war deaths reported.”
He used the statement to highlight what he described as systemic vulnerability among Kenyan youth.
Gachagua further accused government agencies of financial mismanagement involving road construction funds.
“Based on reports emerging in May 2026, the auditor general has led of approximately 7.3 billion Kenya shillings from the fuel levy intended for road to pay French firms for the cancellation of the Roni mouse summit toll road contract.”
The allegation linked infrastructure financing to disputed contract cancellations.
He also directly addressed President Macron in relation to Kenya–France infrastructure deals.
“Mr. Macron your French farms had a contract of 150 billion for a bigger scope 200 billion on a smaller scope creating a 50 billion fund for corruption by William R and the Chinese contractors...”
The statement extended his criticism beyond domestic politics to international partnerships.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid escalating political tension between him and President Ruto following their fallout, with the former deputy president increasingly positioning himself as a vocal critic of the administration.
The inclusion of foreign leaders in his criticism marked a rare escalation in Kenya’s political rhetoric during a high-level diplomatic summit.
The Africa Forward Summit ended on 12th May 2026 in Nairobi with participation from African heads of state, international organizations, and development partners focusing on investment, climate action, and regional cooperation.
Kenyan government officials have continued to promote the summit as a platform for strengthening Africa’s global economic partnerships despite the political controversy surrounding the remarks.
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FELIX MAKONA
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