Rigathi Gachagua Tells Ruto To Leave Uhuru Alone, Face Him In 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has fired back at President William Ruto following the Head of State’s claims that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is the primary financial backer of the opposition movement.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua urged the President to stop targeting his predecessor and instead focus on his direct political rivals ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Key Points of Gachagua’s Response

Directing his comments at his former boss, the DCP party leader insisted that Kenyatta will not be participating in the upcoming polls and urged Ruto to face him on the ballot instead.

“William Ruto, please leave President Uhuru Kenyatta alone. President Uhuru Kenyatta is retired and face your competitor, Rigathi Gachagua,” he stated, adding, “You cannot pretend that you are in competition with President Uhuru Kenyatta. He will not be on the ballot.”

Addressing the President’s critique of the opposition, Gachagua pointed out key challenges facing the current administration, referencing the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and raising concerns over governance and state security.

“It is not President Uhuru Kenyatta who advised you to suspend the rule of law and use goonism as a way of life,” Gachagua asserted.

Context of the Dispute

The pushback comes a day after President Ruto, speaking to supporters in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, accused Kenyatta of acting as the “chief sponsor” of opposition efforts aimed at unseating his administration in 2027.

Dismissing the opposition’s agenda, Ruto expressed confidence in his re-election prospects, declaring that he would easily defeat his political opponents. The escalating exchange underscores the deepening political rift between Ruto and Gachagua as leaders realign ahead of the next general election.