Speaking at a church service on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Gachagua claimed he had warned President Ruto against engaging with the Adani Group over its controversial reputation.
The former deputy president's remarks came in response to the president's recent decision to cancel deals proposed by the Adani Group to manage the country's energy and aviation infrastructure. The cancellations followed the indictment of Adani Group's chair in the United States on bribery charges.
"The matter with Adani is what led to my fallout with the president," Gachagua said.
"In the Cabinet, I was the only person who could tell him the truth. All the others were cowards. I told him the issue with Adani is shady, and the people don't want it. He hated me for it and accused me of opposing government projects."
Gachagua further alleged that President Ruto's decision to cancel the Adani deals was not motivated by genuine concern but rather by the indictment of the Indian firm's founder.
"Even after the president cancelled the deals, there was no need to clap for him because it did not come from his heart. He only acted after that suspect was indicted in the United States," he added.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last Wednesday that Gautam Adani and seven associates, including his nephew Sagar Adani, were accused of offering over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative energy contracts. The contracts were partly funded by international investors, including some from the U.S.
The following day, during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Ruto defended his decision, citing credible evidence provided by relevant agencies. He announced the cancellation of deals worth $2.6 billion, which included leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years and upgrading electricity transmission infrastructure for a similar period.
"In the face of credible evidence of corruption, I will not hesitate to act," Ruto stated.
The proposal to lease Kenya's airports had faced significant resistance from activists and airport workers, who accused the government of "auctioning" national assets.
While the aviation deal was under review, the government had already signed a $736 million agreement with the Adani Group to operate electricity transmission lines and substations.
President Ruto and his cabinet had previously defended the deals, arguing that public-private partnerships would help modernize state facilities.
Gachagua was hounded out of office in October over allegations of gross misconduct and undermining both the President and the government.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
