Gachagua Claims Ruto’s Kosovo Recognition Move Driven by Secret Hotel Deal

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made explosive allegations against President William Ruto, claiming that the head of state disregarded diplomatic advice and prioritised his personal business interests in the controversial decision to recognise Kosovo, a move that has reportedly strained Kenya’s relations with several countries, including Serbia and Russia.

In a candid interview with KTN, Gachagua revealed that senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approached him in confidence, expressing grave concerns about the president’s insistence on recognising Kosovo despite its strong international ramifications.

“A very senior officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to see me. They told me that internationally, it is unwise for the Kenyan government to acknowledge or recognise Kosovo and that such recognition would create problems internationally,” he said.

According to Gachagua, the officials were too afraid to confront the president directly and sought his intervention instead. When Gachagua approached President Ruto with his concerns, the president allegedly erupted into a rage.

“I said, ‘Mr President, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have come to see me over this matter,’ and he was mad. He wanted to know who they were. I said, ‘I cannot tell you because you will fire them.’”

Gachagua claims the president dismissed his concerns, responding angrily, “Go to hell. I am the president. I make decisions in this country, and if you don’t like it, you can quit this government.”

The former deputy president said he later discovered the motive behind the president’s adamant stance.

“I came to realise later that President Ruto and the President of Kosovo have a business deal involving a hotel in Mombasa — the Dolphin Hotel. It is a joint venture,” Gachagua alleged.

He went on to accuse President Ruto of placing his personal commercial interests above national diplomatic priorities. “Because of the president’s selfish commercial interests, we are now in trouble with Serbia and Russia. This is not right,” he said.

Gachagua suggested that his attempt to act in the country’s best interest may have contributed to the deterioration of his relationship with President Ruto. “He really hated me for raising that matter. He was very bitter.”

On March 26, 2025, Kenya recognised Kosovo as an independent state, the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts to gain further international recognition.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but is not a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N. veto holders Russia and China.