Political commentator Pauline Njoroge yesterday launched a sharp critique of President William Ruto, challenging both the timing and credibility of recent accusations he made against his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
In a widely shared social media post, Ms Njoroge questioned Mr Ruto’s decision to link Mr Gachagua to the death of a young woman that was initially treated as an accident. The allegations, she said, raise serious ethical and legal questions given their long-standing professional relationship.
“Being an accomplice to a crime is in itself a crime,” Ms Njoroge wrote, questioning why the President would level such grave implications years after the fact. She recalled that at the time of the young woman’s death, Mr Ruto personally visited her mother to offer condolences, describing the victim as a valued supporter. “That video still exists,” she noted, highlighting that no suggestion of foul play was made during that visit.
Ms Njoroge pointed out that shortly after the incident, Mr Ruto selected Gachagua as his running mate in the 2022 elections, a move that now casts doubt on the recent allegations. “If Ruto believed that Gachagua had committed such a grave crime, why did he remain silent, continue working with him and elevate him to the second highest office in the land?” she asked.
The commentator also questioned the forum chosen for the allegations—a political rally—insisting that any genuine suspicion of criminal conduct should have been directed to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution. She concluded with a pointed rhetorical challenge: “Would he today call that grieving mother again and confidently repeat what he said at that rally yesterday?”
The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate online as the political feud intensifies.
The controversy stems from a rally in Busia County, where President Ruto implied that Mr Gachagua was connected to the young woman’s death, a claim not supported by publicly released evidence and never resulting in formal charges. At the time, the incident had been ruled a road accident, and no investigations into possible foul play were initiated.
Mr Gachagua has denied wrongdoing, and no police or judicial process has been opened following the President’s statements. Analysts say the spat between the former allies has moved beyond political disagreement, becoming a personal public showdown.
