“I Almost Slapped Him” — Gachagua Drops Bombshell on Heated Airport Clash With William Ruto Before Impeachment
The Gachagua Ruto airport incident has opened a fresh chapter in Kenya’s political drama, shedding light on the strained relationship between the former Deputy President and his ex-boss just days before an impeachment motion was filed against him.
Speaking during an interview with media houses from the Rift Valley region on Friday, February 20, Gachagua recounted a heated altercation that unfolded as he was being seen off to China by President William Ruto.
According to Gachagua, what should have been a routine farewell turned into a moment of public humiliation.
“We were at the airport alongside CDF Kahariri, Chief of Staff Felix Kosgei and other leaders when he started insulting me, making unprintable remarks.
“I asked him why he opted to do so in front of them instead of calling me aside and solving the issues man-to-man. I am older than him by a year and therefore demand respect from him because I am also a leader,” he stated.
The former Deputy President said the confrontation escalated to the point where he briefly contemplated slapping the Head of State in full view of senior officials, including Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri.
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From Bromance to Bitterness
The remarks were made in response to persistent questions about why his once-celebrated political partnership with Ruto deteriorated into what many now describe as open hostility.
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, suggested that disrespect from individuals within the President’s inner circle played a significant role in the fallout.
He singled out Farouk Kibet and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, accusing them of fueling tension between him and the President.
In a dramatic twist, Gachagua disclosed that he had leaked an audio recording of a conversation with Sudi in which the MP allegedly insulted him explicitly. He faulted Ruto for defending his allies rather than intervening to resolve the dispute.
Sharp Criticism of Murkomen
The former DP did not stop there. He turned his attention to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, questioning his suitability for the powerful security docket.
“Murkomen does not understand himself and is very incompetent. He has not matured mentally.
“The Interior Ministry needs a mature person. We have had the likes of George Sitoti, John Michuki and Joseph Nkaiseri who made mature decisions,” Gachagua stated.
He further argued that Murkomen should have stepped down following a security breach in Wajir, raising concerns about national safety.
“We know the area is synonymous with terrorist attacks. What if it were a suicide bomber who approached the President?” He posed.
No Grievance with Kalenjin Community
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Gachagua clarified that his grievances are not directed at the broader Kalenjin community but rather at one individual.
He maintained that his fallout is strictly personal and political, centered solely on President Ruto.
Political Shockwaves Ahead
The Gachagua Ruto airport incident adds fresh fuel to speculation about deeper cracks within Kenya Kwanza and what the future holds for both leaders.
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With impeachment proceedings looming at the time of the confrontation, the airport exchange may have marked a point of no return in their relationship.
As the 2027 political landscape slowly begins to take shape, this public airing of grievances signals that reconciliation may be unlikely.
Also Read: KRA Announces 2026 Attachment Opportunity for University Students Across Kenya
“I Almost Slapped Him” — Gachagua Drops Bombshell on Heated Airport Clash With William Ruto Before Impeachment
