Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his relationship with President William Ruto following the latest Cabinet reshuffle that led to speculations of simmering differences between the two.
On Wednesday, President Ruto transferred the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Gachagua's office to Prime Cabinet CS Musalia Mudavadi, raising questions about the power dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking to Inooro FM on Friday, Gachagua said that there is no power play pitting him and Mudavadi, indicating that they discuss and share ideas on day-to-day matters.
He also said that his relationship with his boss has not changed as he continues to be entrusted with significant responsibilities in the government. This, he noted, reflects Ruto's recognition of his valuable contributions on delivering the Kenya Kwanza's manifesto.
"Ruto and I always keep talking, if you see the work he has given me, it's a lot hence there's no power play between Mudavadi and I. If I see an area is not going well, I approach him and we talk about these things," he said.
"President William Ruto and I are joined at the hip. We talk on a daily basis. My relationship with the President is top-notch. He has mandated me with a great responsibility because he understands my output. We shall continue working for Kenyans until the end of our term."
During the one-hour interview, Gachagua also addressed his relationship with Public Service CS Moses Kuria, saying that his reshuffle from Trade docket to Public Service was a normal reassignment of work to enhance service delivery.
Following the reshuffle, the former Trade CS posted an uncaptioned photo of Gachagua with whom they had been in a public dispute for several weeks
"I don't know because he was here recently and we had no problem then. He is our son. So, I don't know what could be wrong, " Gachagua noted.
"In fact, his docket is important because it touches on government delivery unit so we know he will perform. When he didn't win the 2022 elections, Ruto and I gave him a job in our Cabinet. We have no problem with him, as he was just reassigned to another ministry. If there's an issue, I will call him and tell him that the job he has been given is of importance. All these children are ours."
While addressing the unity of the Mt Kenya community, the former Mathira MP blamed the media for trying to portray a rift between the leaders of the mountain.
Gachagua maintained that his task remains to bring on board every leader from the region to unite before the next elections.
