Eldoret Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Accuses Uhuru and Gachagua of Tribal Politics, Defends Ruto Administration

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has sharply criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing the two leaders of engaging in tribal politics and sponsoring political propaganda aimed at undermining President William Ruto and his administration.

In a lengthy statement released in Eldoret, Ngetich claimed that recent political remarks and actions by the two leaders point to a coordinated political strategy intended to weaken the Kenya Kwanza government and incite political divisions in the country.

The activist alleged that despite Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua not openly appearing together in political rallies, their criticism of President Ruto’s administration reveals what he described as “a common political script driven by selfish interests and revenge politics.”

According to Ngetich, the former leaders are unhappy with President Ruto’s growing political influence and expanding support across regions that were previously considered opposition strongholds.

“What we are seeing today is political hypocrisy of the highest level rooted in hatred, tribalism, and bitterness,” Ngetich stated. “The same individuals who are now speaking loudly against tribalism are the same people who perfected and benefited from ethnic politics for many years.”

Ngetich argued that former President Kenyatta has never fully accepted the outcome of the 2022 General Election, insisting that President Ruto politically outsmarted forces that had attempted to stop his rise to the presidency.

According to the activist, many political players underestimated President Ruto’s ability to build alliances and negotiate support from leaders across the country.

“President Ruto managed to turn many political impossibilities into possibilities. Many people never believed he would survive politically after the intense opposition he faced, but he emerged stronger and won the presidency,” he said.

Ngetich further claimed that some leaders from the Mt Kenya region are uncomfortable with the growing national support President Ruto is receiving beyond his Rift Valley political base.

He accused Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua of allegedly attempting to mobilize the Mt Kenya region against the President through continuous criticism of government policies and leadership.

“The intention is very clear. They want to create the impression that the government has failed so that they can politically isolate the President and weaken his administration ahead of the next election,” he claimed.

The activist also defended the government’s tax collection measures, saying the administration has intensified efforts to seal loopholes that previously enabled tax evasion, especially in major urban centers.

According to him, increased revenue collection has strengthened the government’s ability to fund development projects and implement its economic agenda.

“What is hurting some people is that the government has introduced elaborate resource mobilization strategies that are now generating enough revenue to finance national projects,” Ngetich stated.

He further praised President Ruto for expanding his political support in regions traditionally dominated by opposition politics, arguing that the President’s outreach efforts are reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Ngetich also criticized what he termed as selective outrage over government appointments and ethnic representation in public service.

He alleged that leaders currently accusing President Ruto of tribalism remained silent during previous administrations where senior security and government positions were allegedly dominated by individuals from one region.

“It is surprising to hear some leaders complaining today, yet during previous administrations senior security offices and influential government positions were concentrated within one community and no one raised alarm,” he said.

The activist specifically accused Gachagua of allegedly profiling security officers from the Kalenjin community while presenting himself as a defender of fairness and national unity.

He described such actions as dangerous and divisive, warning that Kenya should avoid returning to politics driven by ethnicity and regional hostility.

Ngetich also questioned why former President Kenyatta appears increasingly vocal against President Ruto despite having previously worked together in government for nearly a decade.

He argued that retired presidents should play the role of peace-builders and national advisors rather than engaging in confrontational politics against sitting governments.

“A retired Head of State is expected to unite the country, provide wisdom, and support peace efforts, not to behave like an opposition activist organizing political resistance against his successor,” Ngetich stated.

The activist further accused Uhuru Kenyatta of remaining silent during incidents of violence, destruction, and looting witnessed during recent anti-government protests.

According to him, leaders criticizing the government should equally condemn acts of lawlessness and destruction of property.

Ngetich said Kenyans should not be deceived into believing that the criticism from Uhuru and Gachagua is motivated by patriotism or concern for ordinary citizens.

“Their actions are not about fighting for the common mwananchi. This is about political survival, revenge missions, and attempts to destabilize the current administration,” he claimed.

He urged Kenyans to support the government and allow President Ruto time to implement his development agenda and economic recovery plans.

The activist maintained that while all Kenyan citizens, including retired presidents, have constitutional rights to express political opinions, such freedoms should not be used to fuel division, hatred, or undermine national stability.

Ngetich concluded by calling for unity among Kenyans and urging political leaders to focus on development issues rather than engaging in endless political battles.

His remarks come at a time when the country continues to witness heightened political tensions, public debate over taxation policies, governance concerns, and growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.