Aasai

FORMER Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a political controversy by making what he says are revelations about the inner workings of the government he served in. This is a breach of the oath of office to maintain confidentiality. In his recent statement, he alleged that the President is using government agencies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to intimidate MPs who refuse to accept bribes and that he was sent by the President to invite the leader of a rebel group in Sudan. 

The DCP leader claimed that he once helped arrange for President Ruto to meet General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, alias Hemedti, the leader of Sudans Rapid Support Forces (RSF), when he was Deputy President. 

He claimed that the meeting was at Rutos request, as a sitting president cannot normally invite a deputy from another country. “Ruto has a close relationship with Hemedti. I was the one who invited Hemedti at Ruto’s request, because diplomatically, a president cannot invite a deputy from another country. At the time, Hemedti was the Deputy President of Sudan,” he explained. Gachagua said he was given an official letter inviting Hemedti, picked him up at JKIA, delivered him to Ruto and they held a conversation.

 Although it could not be verified, the statement, like others he has been making, has sparked heated debate, with political and security analysts linking the act to a breach of the oath of office, as enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and the Public Officials’ Conduct Act. According to the law, public officials are obliged to maintain government secrets, especially those relating to diplomacy, national security and sensitive national issues. 

Violators risk up to 14 years in prison. Former Nyeri Urban MP, Ngunjiri Wambugu, has warned opposition leaders who are working with Gachagua that they cannot keep their secrets. Taking to his official Facebook page on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Wambugu – who was previously a close ally of Gachagua – said that while it is encouraging to see the opposition coming together, they must be careful when working with Gachagua. “I see opposition leaders met today. It is good. We remind them to be careful with any discussions they have with Gachagua. Within the next two years, we will be given all the details of what they discussed,” Wambugu wrote. 

Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, confirmed via his official page that he met with Gachagua, along with former Attorney General Justin Muturi. According to Kalonzo, the leaders used the time to collaborate and exchange ideas. Kalonzo also revealed that the meeting brought together prominent opposition leaders who had united, including DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, and Saitoti Torome.

 The main objective of the meeting, Kalonzo said, is to strengthen the Wantam campaign,aimed at removing President William Ruto from power by 2027. While some see Gachaguas move to join forces with opposition leaders as a sign of genuine cooperation, Wambugus warning shows caution about political loyalty and the possibility of the meetings being leaked later. According to political and governance analyst Dr Francis Limo, Mr Gachagua has been going overboard in attacking the government. 

"Remember, when he was in government he blamed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers for not advising the president properly and yesterday while in America, he made statements that a public official should not even be seen to be making not only abroad but even at home," said Dr Limo. Mr Gachagua has been defending himself saying that what he is revealing is the truth and it is his truth that got him removed from government.

 According to Mr Wambugu, Gachagua does not hold his tongue. "There is a big difference between speaking the truth and not holding his tongue. Gachagua has shown that he has no tongue brakes at all," wrote Wambugu.