Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed his criticism of President William Ruto, dismissing claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta could not defeat Ruto in the 2027 General Election because he failed to do so while serving as Head of State.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 16, Gachagua argued that Ruto’s victory in the 2022 General Election should not be interpreted as evidence that Uhuru was incapable of defeating him.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader maintained that Uhuru had not done enough to persuade him and other Kenyans that Ruto was unfit to lead the country, resulting in Ruto securing victory in the 2022 presidential election.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua further dismissed the suggestion that Uhuru would be Ruto’s main challenger in the 2027 election, arguing that the President was attempting to shift attention away from the issues facing his administration.
According to Gachagua, Ruto’s focus should instead be on ordinary Kenyans, whom he described as the President’s actual political opponents ahead of the 2027 polls.
His remarks came a day after Ruto questioned Uhuru’s ability to defeat him in the next presidential election during a public address in Siaya County.
The President pointed to the outcome of the 2022 election, when Uhuru was still in office, arguing that the former President had been unable to prevent him from winning the presidency.
Ruto has in recent weeks intensified his criticism of Uhuru, accusing the retired President of backing politicians opposed to his administration.
The Head of State has also linked the Linda Mwananchi faction to Uhuru, alleging that the group is being used to advance the former President’s political interests.
The renewed exchange between Ruto and Gachagua comes as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both camps increasingly trading accusations over the influence of former political leaders and emerging opposition groups.
