President William Ruto has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of allegedly demanding money from politicians seeking access to him and those pursuing elective positions through the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

The President made the accusations on Monday during a roadside address in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira County, where he dismissed claims that his administration was paying people to attend political meetings.

Ruto turned the allegations against Gachagua, whom he described as an extortionist, claiming that governors and other political aspirants had to part with money to secure meetings or support within his political camp.

“Yule Mr chuki wa Texas… eti wanasema tunalipa watu wakuje mkutano. Wewe ndio chief extortionist. Umehangaisha watu, kuwa extort, sijui kila Gavana akitaka kukuona anatoa million kumi ndio akuone,” Ruto claimed.

He further accused the former deputy president of making life difficult for business owners and politicians affiliated with his party through alleged demands for money.

“Umefukuzwa kazini kwa sababu ya extortion, wafanyibiashara hawana amani. Umehangaisha candidates wa chama yako sababu ya extortion. Kila mtu akikuja kwako lazima atoe pesa,” he said.

Ruto also took issue with Gachagua’s assertion that he was instrumental in helping him secure the presidency during the 2022 General Election.

The president maintained that his political journey and electoral victories predated his working relationship with Gachagua, arguing that his rise to State House was driven by his own campaigns and support from voters.

“Eti ooh mimi ndio nimefanya Ruto awe rais. Mimi nimechaguliwa mara saba wewe umechaguliwa mara moja. Kiburi mingi na akili kidogo,” Ruto stated.

The latest exchange adds to the political differences between the two leaders, whose relationship deteriorated before Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024.

Since his impeachment, Gachagua has become a vocal critic of the President and has repeatedly declared his intention to mobilise opposition forces against Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto’s remarks signal the continued escalation of their political rivalry as leaders position themselves ahead of the next polls.