DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a scathing critique of President William Ruto following a diplomatic fallout sparked by the Tanzanian government’s public protest over a proposed oil refinery project.
The controversy erupted after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan revealed she was blindsided by President Ruto’s announcement of a major oil refinery to be built in Tanga, Tanzania.
Speaking at a business forum in Dar es Salaam on Monday, May 4, 2026, a visibly concerned President Suluhu disclosed that she had to personally confront Ruto, asking why he had declared such a massive project in her country without her knowledge or consultation.
Gachagua Rebukes “Embarrassing” Diplomacy
In a swift response, Rigathi Gachagua—now a leading figure in the opposition—termed the incident a “national shame.” Speaking from Kajiado, Gachagua argued that the President’s actions have compromised Kenya’s standing within the East African Community (EAC).
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“It is deeply unfortunate for the President of Kenya to embarrass our nation by announcing projects in a sovereign foreign state without the courtesy of consulting its leader,” Gachagua stated.
“Kenya was represented on the global stage by someone who should be marketing our country, not one who causes diplomatic friction with our best neighbors.”
Ruto’s Defense
President Ruto, while appearing alongside President Suluhu, attempted to de-escalate the tension with humor, suggesting he would have “taken the project to Mombasa” had he known it would cause such a stir.
He defended the move as a regional vision involving Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aimed at ending Africa’s reliance on raw material exports.
However, Gachagua dismissed this defense as “reckless,” insisting that respect for territorial integrity is the bedrock of diplomacy.
The former DP’s remarks highlight the deepening political rift in Kenya as he continues to position himself as a staunch critic of the Ruto administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
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