NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has intensified his criticism of former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of poor performance during his tenure as Member of Parliament (MP) for Mathira Constituency between 2017 and 2022.
The remarks signal a deepening political rift between the two leaders, whose fallout has increasingly played out in public, with both sides trading accusations over leadership, governance, and political direction.
Speaking during an inspection of the Karabok–Adiedo road project in Homa Bay County, the president alleged that Gachagua failed to make a meaningful contribution during his time in Parliament.
“He was in Parliament for only one term; he didn’t bring even a single motion to Parliament, no Bill—five years wasted,” said Ruto.
Ruto went further, questioning his former deputy’s political credibility and accusing him of advancing divisive rhetoric.
“A person who has no track record at all is now going around to churches and funerals telling us that he wants to spread tribalism. I am telling that person of the ‘unclean spirit,’ tribalism, and incitement: he will get no chance in the Republic of Kenya. He neither has a track record nor does he have a plan for this nation,” he added.
The president also accused Gachagua of underperformance during his time as Deputy President, including allegations of mismanagement in the coffee sector and failure to address illicit alcohol trade in Central Kenya.
Ruto dismissed his former ally’s leadership ambitions, arguing that Kenya’s future depends on leaders with a clear development agenda rather than ethnic-based politics.
In a wider political swipe, Ruto criticised opposition figures, describing them as lacking vision and a coherent development plan. He rejected claims by the United Opposition that it represents a viable alternative government, insisting that voters are focused on leadership that delivers tangible results.
The president’s remarks came during a development tour of Homa Bay, where he outlined a series of infrastructure and social investment projects.
These include the construction of the Adiedo–Karabok road linking Kasipul and Karachuonyo constituencies, as well as plans to establish a fishermen’s rescue centre along Lake Victoria at a cost of Sh250 million.
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Additional measures include the procurement of a rescue boat valued at Sh70 million and a Sh2.4 billion programme to connect approximately 26,000 households to electricity in the county.
Gladys Wanga defended her administration’s cooperation with the national government, citing ongoing development gains and contrasting them with what she described as limited progress under previous political arrangements.
Ruto’s visit also included attendance at an inter-denominational prayer service at Agoro Sare High School and engagements with local leaders and residents.
The escalating war of words between Ruto and Gachagua reflects broader realignments within Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts say the public exchanges underscore shifting alliances and growing competition for influence, particularly in vote-rich regions.
