The Other Side of Gachagua, Calm, Unbothered and Out of Power

In a candid and widely discussed interview on Obinna Show Live, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua opened up about his political downfall, his relationship with President William Ruto, and his life after impeachment. The two-hour conversation, titled "FOR BETTER FOR WORSE," was released on May 17, 2025, and has since sparked wide public interest.
Gachagua detailed the events leading up to his impeachment in October 2024, revealing that President Ruto had asked him to resign, offering a hefty retirement package. “He called me once when we disagreed, and he said, ‘I cannot work with you. I would like you to resign, and if you don't, I will impeach you,’” Gachagua recounted. He claimed Ruto offered him between Sh1.5 to Sh2 billion to step down, an offer he refused, stating, “I told him I am not interested,” according to The Star.
The former Deputy President was eventually impeached on five out of eleven charges, including promoting ethnic discrimination and violating his oath of office, as outlined in his Wikipedia entry.
Despite the dramatic ouster, Gachagua says he has found peace. “Life is good; I am a very peaceful man. I sleep well, and I am a happy man with no stress,” he told Obinna. He added that he does not miss the privileges of power and now enjoys spending time with his family and community, a sentiment echoed in his February 2025 statement covered by The Star.
Though barred from holding public office, Gachagua said he has no intention of seeking a comeback. “Sio lazima nikuwe chochote Kenya,” he stated during the interview, meaning it’s not a must for him to hold any official position, a declaration that was also reported by People Daily.
His popularity in the Mount Kenya region remains intact. In November 2024, he drew a massive crowd at a music concert in Murang’a County, raising questions about President Ruto's support in the region. Political analysts told Channel 15 News the moment marked a possible shift in political loyalty in the area.
Gachagua also voiced concerns about his safety, alleging that his official security was withdrawn and that he narrowly escaped a targeted attack at a funeral in Limuru. He said goons were hired to disrupt the event and intimidate him, an incident he recounted in a Nation report.
Rigathi Gachagua’s interview paints a portrait of a man unbothered by political loss, embracing a life of reflection over power. Whether his words mark the end of a political chapter or the beginning of a new one, only time will tell.