Kenyan politics has been thrust into turmoil following explosive allegations made by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
Speaking at a funeral in his constituency, Sudi accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating a plot to overthrow President William Ruto’s government.
This shocking claim has sent ripples through the Kenya Kwanza administration and reignited speculation about internal rifts within the ruling coalition.
According to Sudi, Rigathi Gachagua, along with unnamed civil society organizations, attempted to leverage the recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024 as a smokescreen for their alleged coup attempt.
The MP asserted that these demonstrations were not merely expressions of dissent against the contentious bill but part of a broader strategy to destabilize the government.
Despite the escalating tensions during the protests, Sudi noted that the situation eventually normalized, crediting the resilience of the Kenyan people for maintaining stability.
These accusations come at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Kenya. Kenya faced protests against the Finance Bill 2024’s new taxes, seen as oppressive. The public widely opposed these proposed measures.
Violent clashes during protests against the bill led to over 40 deaths and hundreds of injuries as demonstrators confronted law enforcement.
The scale and intensity of the public outcry ultimately forced President Ruto to withdraw the bill, promising to engage in further consultations with stakeholders before presenting a revised version.
Sudi’s allegations have further fueled speculation about growing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly between himself and Deputy President Gachagua.
Gachagua’s reported caution to Rift Valley leaders, including Sudi, to refrain from interfering in Mount Kenya politics has exacerbated this perceived rift.
These developments suggest a complex web of regional and personal rivalries that may be straining the cohesion of the ruling coalition.
Despite the swirling rumors and accusations, both Gachagua and President Ruto have publicly maintained a united front, denying any significant discord within the government.