Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence on the ongoing political unfoldings in the country, after weeks of quietness and minimal political engagements.
The former second-in-command resurfaced in Murang’a County on Saturday afternoon, where he addressed residents during the burial of six family members who died in a tragic road accident.
During his speech, Gachagua took a strong stand against President William Ruto, accusing him of betrayal and mismanaging the country.
He claimed that the Head of State had abandoned the people of Mt Kenya despite their overwhelming support in the 2022 general elections.
Gachagua, who recently declared his association with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said he was ready to face Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.
He stated that his period of silence had allowed him to reflect and watch how the government was being run, adding that he was now prepared to challenge what he described as failed leadership.
Referring to the President by a new nickname, Gachagua said, “You, Githinji, we elected you, we loved you, and voted for you. You became the president, but you betrayed us. You lied to us and went ahead to frustrate us.”
His words drew loud cheers from the crowd, many of whom seemed to share his frustrations over the current state of the economy and the high cost of living.
The former Deputy President accused Ruto of turning his back on the Mt Kenya region, the same community that played a huge role in his rise to power.
He lamented that the President had instead chosen to use certain leaders from the region to insult and humiliate him and other respected figures such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, and Justin Muturi.
“Now you are sending your allies to mock and assault us. He is abusing our community. Your friend abused me, Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, Justine Muturi and Linturi,” Gachagua said.
He went on to warn the President that the discontent in the Mt Kenya region was growing and would be felt during the 2027 general election.
“I want to tell Ruto that we are not bad people, you are the one who has made us look like bad people. I want to warn you that you will witness our bitterness on August 8, 2027,” he added firmly.
Gachagua also criticized the state of the nation, accusing the government of interfering with critical sectors such as education and health.
He said Kenyans were losing faith in the current administration because the cost of living remained unbearable, and promises made during the campaign period were yet to be fulfilled.
His remarks come just two days after President Ruto, while on a development tour in Kakamega County, accused the opposition of engaging in divisive politics meant to undermine national unity.
Ruto had urged his critics to present an alternative plan for Kenyans to consider instead of constant political fights.
Gachagua’s reappearance now adds a new twist to Kenya’s political landscape, signaling what could be the beginning of a serious fallout between him and the President.
AHis message in Murang’a appears to have rekindled political debates across the country, especially within the Mt Kenya region, where discussions about loyalty, betrayal, and the 2027 race are once again taking center stage.
