Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pointed a finger at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of treating Kenyans as “fools” in the ongoing battle against illicit alcohol and drug abuse.
In a recent, highly critical statement on his official X handle, on Thursday July 31, 2025 in the morning, Gachagua claimed that during his tenure as Deputy President, he had implemented “practical measures” that led to the successful elimination of poisonous brews and a significant reduction in drug abuse within a single year.
However, Gachagua then directly implicated President William Ruto and Murkomen’s “predecessor, Mr. Yes, Sir!” (a likely thinly veiled reference to Kithure Kindiki), along with Murkomen’s Principal Secretary, in deliberately sabotaging these successful programs.
He alleged that PS Raymond Omollo actively sought out and re-authorized manufacturers of illicit alcohol that his team had shut down, allowing the “distribution of poison” to resume.
In an explosive claim, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto “deliberately, while fully aware, brought to the cabinet your two colleagues with a history of destroying our youths by selling hard drugs.”
He questioned Murkomen’s credibility in sacking public officials for abetting drug sales when he hasn’t addressed “your two colleagues who are known international drug lords.”
Background to Gachagua’s Claims
During his time as Deputy President, Gachagua had taken a leading role in the government’s initial crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug abuse, particularly in the Central Kenya region. He spearheaded multi-agency operations that saw numerous illicit liquor dens closed down and arrests made.
The narrative he presents is consistent with his public statements during that period, where he often emphasized the economic and social benefits of a sober populace, including increased revenue collection through legitimate alcohol sales.
His wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, also actively engaged in rehabilitation programs for youth affected by substance abuse, often accompanying him to public events.
The claim about “two colleagues with a history of destroying our youths by selling hard drugs” is a serious and recurring accusation from Gachagua. While he does not name them in this specific tweet, he has previously made similar allegations, hinting at certain individuals.
Murkomen, on his part, has recently intensified a crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, often conducting public forums and warning corrupt government officials collaborating with cartels.
He has, however, largely dismissed Gachagua’s criticisms as politicizing a serious national issue and attempting to localize it for political gain.
Written by Edwin Githinji, TV47
