"PhD in Lies?" Gachagua Lashes Out Ruto over Claims He's Not Learned

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto over remarks questioning his academic qualifications. 

The exchange comes amid ongoing political tensions as leaders prepare for the 2027 elections.

During a meeting with teachers at State House Nairobi, President Ruto reportedly said that Gachagua’s limited education would have made it difficult for him to succeed in a top leadership role. Ruto also reiterated that he is the most educated president Kenya has ever elected.

Speaking in Nyeri on Sunday, September 14, Gachagua mocked Ruto’s education credentials, claiming that the president’s three-year tenure has not reflected the qualities of a highly educated leader. 

He pointed to rising cases of abductions, corruption, and the deterioration of public institutions as evidence.

“When we look at how educated he claims to be, what we see in practice is alarming—abductions, theft of public resources, a weakened health system, harassment of women by gangs and militias,” Gachagua said.

“This is what he calls the benefit of education?”

The former deputy president further accused Ruto of mastering the wrong skills during his tenure. 

“He has a master’s in corruption, theft, and bribery. A bachelor’s in abductions, extrajudicial killings, and issuing shoot-on-the-leg orders. A diploma in mismanagement and destruction of working institutions. That is his education,” Gachagua claimed.

Gachagua’s remarks appeared aimed at both defending his reputation and criticizing what he described as failures in Ruto’s administration.

He suggested that Ruto’s leadership has caused division, weakened public services, and eroded trust in government institutions.

Political observers say the exchange highlights the deepening rivalry within Kenya Kwanza Alliance, with Gachagua positioning himself as a critic of the current administration while rallying support ahead of the 2027 elections.