Kenya’s Gachagua Says After Security Withdrawal: Hold Ruto Accountable If Any Damage Comes To Me

President Ruto would be held accountable if he is hurt following the security withdrawal, according to Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s ousted deputy president.

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s impeached deputy president, has stated that President William Ruto will bear responsibility for any injury he sustains after his recent impeachment, which resulted in the removal of his personal security detail.

During a press appearance on Sunday, Gachagua voiced concerns about his safety, although dismissing the charges that led to his impeachment as politically motivated.

Gachagua, who backed Ruto in the 2022 presidential race, remarked, “It’s the most unfortunate thing that has ever happened in this country that you can be so vicious to a man who helped you to be President.” The remarks made by Gachagua coincide with the escalating hostility between him and Ruto, whose relationship has soured in recent months.

Resila Onyango, a police spokesperson, said she would investigate the allegations but declined to comment on the matter right away. Additionally, Ruto’s spokesperson postponed commenting, saying a statement would be released later.

In Kenya, leading politicians usually have less security protection once they leave government. But according to Gachagua, who has filed a lawsuit to overturn his impeachment, the withdrawal is too soon because he does not consider his dismissal to be final until the matter is settled.

On Thursday, Gachagua was impeached on five of eleven allegations, including promoting racial hatred and flagrantly violating the constitution. Both President Ruto’s friends and opposition parliamentarians supported the move.

Gachagua has refuted every accusation. Kenya’s parliament authorized the selection of Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki to succeed Gachagua after his impeachment; but, Gachagua and others have filed legal challenges, delaying his swearing-in.

In his speech during a national holiday celebration on Sunday, President Ruto—who has said nothing about the impeachment—urged Kenyans to reject tribalism and foster togetherness.