File photo of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. PHOTO: Rigathi Gachagua.
In Summary:
- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims he personally funded UDA campaigns in Mt Kenya region, citing wealth accumulated during Kibaki’s presidency.
- Gachagua Dismisses rumours of leaving UDA, emphasizing regional contribution to Ruto’s victory.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made bold assertions about his role in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and his personal wealth during a recent interview on Inooro TV.
Amid internal pressure and speculation about his position within the party, Gachagua used the platform to address several key points.
In a striking revelation, Gachagua declared, “I’m a rich man, I made a lot of money during the Kibaki government and I financed UDA campaigns without receiving a penny from him (President Ruto) in Mt Kenya.”
Gachagua elaborated that he single-handedly financed President William Ruto’s presidential campaigns in the Mt Kenya region, emphasizing that President Ruto did not provide financial support for these campaigns.
The Deputy President attributed his wealth to lucrative opportunities during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
In response to rumors of a potential departure from UDA, Gachagua firmly dismissed such speculation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the party, stating, “This is our party, and those who assume we are leaving will be disappointed.”
To underscore the importance of his regional base, Gachagua highlighted that the Mt Kenya region contributed nearly half of the votes that secured Ruto’s victory, specifically mentioning a 47% contribution.
The Deputy President’s statements come at a time when he reportedly faces pressure from within UDA.