Gachagua Tells Ruto to Leave Uhuru Alone, Declares Himself Key 2027 Rival

Gachagua Tells Ruto to Leave Uhuru Alone, Declares Himself Key 2027 Rival

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged President William Ruto to focus on his political opponents ahead of the 2027 General Election, telling him to leave retired President Uhuru Kenyatta out of the political contest.

Gachagua’s remarks came after President Ruto accused his predecessor of financing and supporting opposition efforts aimed at challenging his administration ahead of the next presidential election.

Speaking at the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, August 14, Gachagua said Uhuru Kenyatta was no longer an active presidential candidate and should therefore not be treated as Ruto’s political rival.

“William Ruto, please leave President Uhuru Kenyatta alone. President Uhuru Kenyatta is retired and face your competitor, Rigathi Gachagua.”

Gachagua, who served as Ruto’s deputy before their political relationship broke down, presented himself as one of the key figures seeking to challenge the President in the 2027 election.

He argued that the contest should focus on leaders who are expected to appear on the ballot rather than retired politicians.

“You cannot pretend that you are in competition with President Uhuru Kenyatta. He will not be on the ballot.”

The former Deputy President’s comments marked another escalation in the political exchanges between the two camps as parties and political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

Ruto Accuses Uhuru of Supporting Opposition

Ruto’s remarks followed accusations that Uhuru had become a major financial and political backer of forces opposed to his administration.

The President made the claims on Thursday, accusing his predecessor of working to undermine the government and support efforts to remove him from office in the 2027 election.

Ruto described Uhuru as the “chief financier” and “sponsor” of the opposition, linking him to political activities aimed at challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The allegations have added another layer to the evolving political contest, which has already seen former allies take opposing positions.

Uhuru, who served as Kenya’s president from 2013 to 2022, handed over power to Ruto after the 2022 General Election.

Since leaving office, the former President has largely remained outside active electoral politics, although his political influence continues to attract attention.

Gachagua Positions Himself for 2027

Gachagua’s response signals his intention to remain at the centre of the opposition debate ahead of the next election.

The former Deputy President has been holding consultations with political leaders and supporters as he works to build a political movement ahead of 2027.

He has increasingly criticised the Ruto administration over governance, the economy and political developments.

His latest remarks also reinforce the growing competition among opposition figures seeking to shape a possible coalition capable of challenging Ruto.

While several opposition leaders have expressed interest in the presidency, discussions over a possible joint candidate and coalition structure remain ongoing.

2027 Political Contest Takes Shape

The exchange between Ruto and Gachagua comes nearly a year before political parties are expected to intensify preparations for the 2027 election.

The political landscape is already witnessing new alliances, rivalries and negotiations as leaders position themselves for the presidential contest.

Gachagua’s decision to directly challenge Ruto’s claims about Uhuru also places him more prominently in the emerging political contest.

For now, however, the former President remains outside the ballot, while Gachagua has publicly presented himself as a direct competitor to Ruto.

The latest remarks are likely to fuel further political debate as Kenya’s major political formations continue negotiating alliances and strategies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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Gachagua Tells Ruto to Leave Uhuru Alone, Declares Himself Key 2027 Rival