It is no secret that President Dr William Samoei Arap Ruto and his former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are in a bad relationship.
President William Ruto launched a blunt verbal assault against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a media roundtable at State House in Mombasa, brushing off allegations surrounding the extraction of valuable niobium deposits in Kwale County.
The exchange unfolded when a journalist sought clarification regarding public claims made by Gachagua, who accused the executive of orchestrating a secret pact to surrender the lucrative Mrima Hills mineral reserves to a foreign American enterprise without safeguarding national interests.
Visibly irritated by the query, the Head of State firmly shut down further discussion on the matter, refusing to address the substance of his former deputy’s statements.
Ruto expressed deep displeasure at having such allegations introduced into an official presidential briefing, explicitly characterizing Gachagua’s political posturing as unbefitting of serious executive consideration.
He questioned the decision to elevate claims originated by an individual he characterized as lacking sound judgment, maintaining that his duties as head of state ought to focus on credible governance matters rather than responding to unfounded political attacks.
The heated reaction highlights the rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two leaders following Gachagua’s departure from government and his subsequent alignment with opposition figures.
The dispute over the Mrima Hills site—a crucial resource hub rich in rare earth elements and niobium vital for modern technology—has emerged as a major flashpoint.
While Gachagua has threatened legal action to block international agreements, the presidency maintains that strategic partnerships are aimed solely at driving economic growth and modernizing the country’s industrial infrastructure through transparent framework agreements.
About the Author
Discover more from STESHA NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
