Gachagua responds to claims he is a 'petty thief who stole relief food'

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to President William Ruto over recent remarks in which the Head of State allegedly referred to him as a “petty thief” who stole relief food. He accused the President of being involved in large-scale land grabbing and past maize scandals.

Speaking at Enesambulai in Narok North during the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) “one-term crusade” rally, Gachagua dismissed the claims as political propaganda and instead accused President Ruto of lacking the moral authority to brand others corrupt.

“You cannot call others thieves when you have taken land in Kibiko, Murumbi, Narok town, Mau Forest, Lang’ata and other areas,” Gachagua told supporters. “When I become president, any land that was illegally acquired will be returned to its rightful owners.”

The former Deputy President reffered to comments made by Ruto during a NYOTA funds disbursement program in North Eastern on Thursday, where the latter claimed Gachagua was once sacked over theft of relief food.

“We know your record. You were fired from your job because you were stealing relief food. You are a petty thief,” Ruto said. 

The remarks mark the latest escalation in the political fallout between the two leaders who were elected together in 2022.

Gachagua was accompanied by several MPs allied to his political camp, including Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, joe Nyotu and other opposition legislators.

Ngogoyo (Kajiado North) urged the Maasai community to unite behind DCP, saying the party provides a new political home that guarantees their voice in national leadership.