Kenya: Gachagua Hits Back At Ruto Over Uhuru Attacks

What the report says

Rigathi Gachagua, leader of Kenya’s Democracy for Citizens Party and a former deputy president, has criticized President William Ruto for recent attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. In comments reported by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, Gachagua said Kenyatta is not Ruto’s opponent in the 2027 election and accused the president of using the former head of state to distract from public concerns.

Gachagua, who said he was speaking while in the United States, argued that Ruto’s real challenge is dissatisfaction among ordinary Kenyans. He pointed to pressure over the cost of living, unemployment and health care, saying the government should focus on those issues rather than on political disputes involving Kenyatta. He also said opposition figures do not need backing from the retired president to mount a challenge in 2027.

The remarks followed an address by Ruto in Siaya during his tour of Kenya’s Nyanza region, where he escalated criticism of Kenyatta and described him as a rebel leader, according to the report. Ruto and his allies have repeatedly accused Kenyatta of supporting opposition politicians ahead of the next election, claims Kenyatta has denied.

Gachagua also cited recent political meetings in Ol Kalou and Nembure as signs of growing anti-government sentiment. The report noted that violence had been reported at the Nembure gathering, with two deaths mentioned, although the circumstances were not independently established in the article. Separately, Gachagua said opposition leaders were working toward selecting a single candidate to face Ruto in 2027.