Key Revelations from President William Ruto’s Explosive Sagana Interview

His remarks shed light on recent challenges, his leadership decisions, and the future of his administration.

Security Concerns in Nairobi vs. Mt Kenya

Addressing concerns over incidents of robbery and hooliganism during his recent Nairobi tour, Ruto reassured residents of Mt Kenya that such events would not occur during his ongoing regional visit.

He acknowledged that crime had marred his engagements in Nairobi but maintained that the Mt Kenya region was peaceful and focused on development.

"We held several meetings in Nairobi, and unfortunately, there were some cases of robbery. But I don’t expect similar incidents here because the people of Mt Kenya understand development and are peace-loving," he stated.

His remarks followed reports that criminal gangs had taken advantage of his presence in Nairobi to stage robberies, with some suspects allegedly mobilised by politicians.

Purpose of the Mt Kenya Tour

Ruto made it clear that his five-day tour across nine counties—Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, and Murang’a—was strictly focused on development, not politics.

He will be accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, local governors, and other leaders as he commissions new projects, inspects ongoing ones, and launches government initiatives in roads, electricity, water, and health.

"This visit is about development. We are not here for political engagements but to interact with locals and advance their development agenda," he emphasised.

Among the key projects on his itinerary is the completion of the Mau Mau Road, a major highway traversing Mt Kenya counties, which had stalled due to funding delays.

He claimed that despite his efforts, Gachagua’s conflicts with MPs and state officials ultimately led to his removal.

"I tried to save him. The first time MPs rejected him, I stood by him. When they attempted to impeach him again, I defended him. But was I elected to serve one person or the people of Kenya?" Ruto posed.

Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 made history as he became the first Deputy President in Kenya to be removed from office.

The Senate upheld at least five charges, including allegations of gross misconduct, undermining the judiciary, and violations of the National Cohesion Act.

Ruto distanced himself from Gachagua’s ouster, insisting that the decision was made by politicians from Mt Kenya.

"Those who removed him followed the law. I never signed any document to have him removed," he stated.

He revealed that when selecting his 2022 running mate, Kithure Kindiki had won the support of 27 MPs, while Gachagua only garnered five votes.

However, Ruto overruled them and picked Gachagua to balance political expectations.

"I chose Gachagua because I was accused of surrounding myself with young leaders. I felt that having someone of my age would help us gain trust in the region," he explained.

The Alleged KSh 10 Billion Demand

In a shocking claim, Ruto accused Gachagua of attempting to blackmail him into handing over KSh 10 billion to strengthen his support in Mt Kenya.

"He told me directly that unless I gave him the money, he would ensure I become a one-term president," Ruto alleged.

He criticised Gachagua for failing to defend government projects in public, claiming that unlike him, who actively spoke about Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration while serving as Deputy President, Gachagua remained silent.

"Did you ever see him on any TV station explaining government projects? No," Ruto remarked.

He also accused Gachagua of intimidating MPs, which further contributed to his fallout with legislators from Mt Kenya.

Justin Muturi’s Dismissal from Cabinet

Ruto also shed light on his decision to remove former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi during the recent Cabinet reshuffle.

He explained that when he first appointed Muturi as Attorney General, the former National Assembly Speaker had expressed doubts about his ability to perform, citing his long absence from legal practice.

"He admitted that he might struggle in the role because he had been a magistrate, an MP, and a Speaker for years," Ruto said.

Despite giving Muturi a second chance by appointing him to the Public Service docket, Ruto said Muturi eventually "dismissed himself" by failing to meet expectations.

"He even went on strike by refusing to attend Cabinet meetings. What was I supposed to do?" Ruto asked.

He insisted that while he values loyalty and second chances, performance is a non-negotiable aspect of leadership.

Defending His Absence from Mt Kenya

Responding to critics who claimed he had abandoned the region for six months, Ruto dismissed the notion that his absence signified waning popularity.

"The fact that I have not been here for months doesn’t mean I have neglected the region. I have a scorecard that speaks for itself—on electricity, affordable housing, markets, and much more," he asserted.

He vowed to stay in Mt Kenya long enough to prove his commitment.

"I will be here until people start asking if I have no other region to visit," he joked.