Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again drawn public attention after alleging that President William Ruto is involved in a major business deal with a well-known Eastleigh-based businessman.
During a recent political gathering, Gachagua claimed that the two had entered into an arrangement to import a massive amount of rice into the country.
According to him, the deal involves the importation of five million tonnes of rice, a figure that he says raises questions about transparency and fairness in government-related transactions.
He went on to suggest that the agreement was made without proper public oversight and might sideline local producers who are already struggling with high production costs and limited access to markets.
In his remarks, Gachagua pointed out that there is locally grown rice from Mwea readily available, yet it appears to be ignored in favor of the imported stock.
His statement, “Ruto ameshikana na mfanyabiashara ako pale Eastleigh, business partner wake, wameagiza mchele 5 million tonnes na mchele ya Mwea iko hapa,” has since sparked widespread reactions both online and offline.
Many Kenyans have begun debating whether senior government officials should engage in large-scale commercial activities that could influence policy decisions.
Critics argue that such involvement risks blurring the line between public service and private business, especially when those decisions could directly affect the livelihoods of local farmers.
They warn that prioritizing imported rice over homegrown products like those from Mwea could discourage local production and create unfair competition in the market.
Supporters of Gachagua, on the other hand, have praised him for speaking out, saying his remarks highlight the importance of accountability in leadership.
They insist that Kenyans deserve to know whether political figures are using their positions to benefit from trade deals or influence economic decisions that may harm ordinary citizens.
Some have also called for Parliament and relevant government agencies to investigate the claims to determine whether any laws or ethical standards were violated.
In Mwea, where most of Kenya’s rice is produced, farmers have expressed growing concern over the alleged importation.
They fear that the entry of five million tonnes of rice into the market could push down prices, leaving them with unsold stock and reduced income. Farmer groups have appealed to the government to protect local production by supporting domestic growers and limiting unnecessary imports that threaten their stability.
Even as the debate continues, the controversy has renewed discussions about transparency in government and the influence of business interests in political decision-making.
Observers say that if the allegations are true, it would highlight the urgent need for clearer policies to separate politics from business and to ensure public accountability in trade matters.
For now, the claims remain unverified, but they have intensified scrutiny of President Ruto’s business dealings and raised fresh questions about how political power intersects with private enterprise.
The situation continues to unfold, with growing pressure on both leaders to address the matter publicly and clarify the nature of the alleged rice importation deal.
