DCP Leader Accuses IMF of Conditional Aid on Ruto’s Removal
Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DCP), has made a bold claim that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has privately informed him that Kenya’s future financial assistance depends on the removal of President William Ruto. This revelation has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the political influence of international financial institutions.
Gachagua, who served as Kenya’s former deputy president, stated that he personally contacted the IMF during a severe economic crisis in the country. He claimed that the lender expressed concerns over governance issues, which have hindered financial support from the institution. According to Gachagua, the IMF made it clear that Kenya cannot receive further aid unless Ruto is removed from power.
The remarks come at a critical time for Kenya, as talks with the IMF remain frozen. The country’s debt has reached an alarming KSh 12.8 trillion, and the ongoing oil price shocks are exacerbating fiscal challenges. The situation is further complicated by the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Speaking at a public gathering in Mombasa on April 25, Gachagua shared his account of the conversation with the IMF. He emphasized that he approached the lender on behalf of Kenyans, seeking solutions to the country’s deepening economic crisis. Although he did not provide any evidence to back up his claims, Gachagua insisted that the IMF representatives conveyed their concerns about governance challenges in Kenya.
According to Gachagua, the IMF suggested that the only way for Kenya to receive financial assistance is by removing Ruto from office. “The IMF has said that I won’t work with Kenya,” he said. “I called them and asked them what should we do as Kenyans. I told them we have a problem. I told the IMF not to allow us to suffer because of Ruto. They told me that if we want their assistance, we should remove Ruto from office first, we have no choice.”
This statement follows recent developments where the IMF informed the Kenyan government that discussions on a new financing program cannot proceed until the administration addresses a long-standing corruption probe. This comes after Kenya sought emergency support due to rising oil prices caused by the Iranian conflict. Additionally, the US government recently labeled Kenya as a “den of corruption,” adding to the pressure on the Kenyan administration.
Abebe Aemro Selassie, the outgoing head of the IMF’s African Department, mentioned that Kenyan officials have already been given access to a draft governance report. However, the IMF is waiting for the government’s formal response before presenting the report to its board for review and eventual publication.
Currently, the Ruto administration’s ability to access additional IMF resources is effectively stalled. No new credit arrangement can be finalized without board approval, which is happening at a time of increasing fiscal pressure. The sharp rise in global oil prices has forced the government to seek assistance from both the World Bank and the IMF to stabilize its finances.
With the escalation of the Iran–Israel dispute this month, Brent crude has surpassed $95 per barrel (KSh 12,350), widening Kenya’s current account deficit and putting more strain on the shilling. As the country grapples with these challenges, the political implications of Gachagua’s claims continue to reverberate across the nation.
