NAIROBI, Kenya — Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has sharply criticised William Ruto, rejecting claims that the opposition is damaging Kenya’s international reputation.
Speaking at ACK Church Kimathi in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua argued that the country’s image has instead been undermined by the government’s actions and governance challenges.
“We heard the president say that we in the opposition are spoiling the name of the country. We want to tell him it is not us, it is him,” Gachagua said.
He cited a series of issues he claimed have drawn international scrutiny, including allegations of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and claims of interference in regional conflicts such as Sudan.
Gachagua accused the government of neglecting critical sectors while focusing on early political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He pointed to challenges within the Social Health Authority (SHA), warning of strain in the healthcare system.
“The SHA is collapsing, taking hospitals down with it,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the agriculture sector, alleging that farmers have been forced to purchase fertiliser from private agro-vets due to limited access to subsidised government supplies.
The former deputy president further questioned the president’s priorities, accusing him of focusing on foreign policy issues while domestic challenges remain unresolved.
Turning to regional politics, Gachagua criticised leaders from the Mt Kenya region, claiming they have failed to effectively represent local interests.
He also alleged a resurgence of illicit alcohol in parts of the region, arguing that previous enforcement efforts during his time in government had reduced the problem.
In addition, he accused senior political figures; including Kimani Ichung’wah, George Kariuki, and Mwangi Kiunjuri, of undermining the region’s political cohesion.
Gachagua further claimed that meetings linked to a potential impeachment push were held at a Nairobi hotel associated with Kariuki, although these allegations remain unverified.
The event also served as a platform for Gachagua to rally support for his DCP party, positioning it as a vehicle to consolidate political influence in the Mt Kenya region.
He was accompanied by several leaders, including James Kamau Murango, Joe Nyutu, and Jane Njeri, underscoring ongoing efforts to build regional alliances.
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Gachagua’s remarks reflect a deepening political rift between him and President Ruto, marking a significant shift from their previous alliance.
At the centre of the dispute is a contest over narrative control: while the government frames opposition criticism as harmful to Kenya’s global standing, Gachagua is attempting to reposition accountability squarely on governance failures.
His focus on healthcare, agriculture, and security concerns signals an effort to anchor political messaging in everyday economic realities, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, a critical voting bloc.
At the same time, his criticism of regional leaders suggests an internal struggle for influence, as competing factions seek to shape the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The emergence of DCP as a mobilisation platform further indicates a broader realignment within Kenya’s opposition politics.
Whether Gachagua can consolidate sufficient support remains uncertain, but his rhetoric points to an increasingly polarised political environment where alliances are fluid and public messaging is central to power dynamics.
