President William Ruto has mocked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his lack of education showed he would fail him as his assistant.

Speaking during a meeting with teachers in the State House on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Ruto recalled the challenges of working with Gachagua, saying he used to complain about not being educated, and he knew he would fail him.

“Nilikua na mwingine analalamika, hajasoma, hahaha, nikaona ataniangusha,” Ruto said.

Ruto, who was in the company of his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, who replaced Gachagua, showered him with praise, calling him an education giant and emphasising that if you want to succeed, you need a deputy who is more educated than you.

“Huyu naibu wangu mnamwona aje ni noma si noma ni fire si fire. Unajua ukitaka kufaulu unatafuta deputy amesoma kuliko wewe,” he told the crowd.

The president added that success in leadership depends on building a strong, intelligent team.

“If you want to succeed, you put people around you who are more intelligent than you. Sasa ile wanakusaidia kushine, you take the credit, and wao ndio wanafanya job,” he said, underlining the value of effective deputies in governance.

Experience counts most

Ruto’s remarks came a day after he chest-thumped about himself, claiming to be the most learned Kenyan president ever elected.

Referencing his 15-year tenure as a member of parliament and 10 years as deputy president under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, he said he is well-equipped with the knowledge and vigour to transform Kenya.

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“I have got an opportunity, and a very unique one. Among those who came after me, some were old; I am not old. I have enough experience; I have been an MP for 15 years,” he said.

“I was a deputy president for ten years; is there any other experience I should be waiting for? I am learned and well-educated. I am probably the most learned Kenyan president ever elected in Kenya. So, who am I waiting for?

“I have no excuse; that is why I must do all these things. Forgive me. We must transform this country, and I am very committed to it. We are very late. Let’s, for once, focus on changing the country,” Ruto said.