Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto had financial dealings with the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, claiming the businessman “died with” KSh1.5 trillion linked to the President.
Speaking to Kenyan clergy and members of the diaspora in Boston, Massachusetts, Gachagua claimed Chivayo had business arrangements with Ruto, but did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
“I know everything. You were doing business together. This man died with his money,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo had arrangements with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to introduce election technology from South Korea ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“That’s why Ruto is so mad. He doesn’t know where to begin,” he said.
The claims come as Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, steps up political mobilisation among Kenyans living abroad ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua said his engagements in the United States were aimed at gathering views from Kenyans in the diaspora and incorporating them into his political programme.
He also proposed giving the diaspora a greater role in diplomatic appointments, including appointing ambassadors based on their knowledge of the countries where they are posted and drawing deputy ambassadors from Kenyans living abroad.
On domestic policy, Gachagua accused the Ruto administration of undermining constitutionalism and the rule of law.
He pledged to recover what he described as stolen public assets, fight corruption and restore integrity in public service if elected.
Gachagua also proposed restoring free primary education, reinstating Linda Mama, restructuring the university funding model and reforming the healthcare system, including restoring NHIF under a new framework.
He promised a crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs, saying his administration would target drug traffickers, expand rehabilitation services and increase funding for mental health programmes.
Gachagua further proposed a single licence for businesses to reduce regulatory requirements and pledged to protect human rights, freedom of expression and media freedom.
He presented the proposals as part of a broader plan to change how government operates and restore what he described as accountability, constitutionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.
