"Battle Lines Drawn: Ruto Camp Turns on Gachagua Ahead of 2027 Showdown"

 

By Wasike Elvis 

Tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition have erupted into full public view as top allies of President William Ruto launched a coordinated political offensive against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive tribal politics, inciting youth unrest, and sabotaging President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking during a high-profile economic empowerment event held in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, a battalion of UDA leaders, MPs, governors, and party officials poured scorn on Gachagua’s recent pronouncements, including his proposal to designate June 25th as a public day of remembrance for Gen Z youth who lost their lives in protests.

Farouk Kibet: Nairobi Is Not for Anarchy

Leading the charge was Farouk Kibet, the long-time aide and political fixer of President Ruto, who dismissed Gachagua’s move as dangerous and opportunistic.

“The announcement of a public holiday by the former deputy president is not only unconstitutional but also uncalled for. It’s a veiled attempt to mobilize unrest,” Farouk said.

“We are telling Governor Sakaja that Nairobi is our capital city—we will not allow it to be turned into a playground for chaos.”

He went on to warn that those using youth protests for political gain would be dealt with firmly.

“Which demonstration builds schools or hospitals? Demonstrations that destroy property are not noble—they’re criminal. Let us unite as a country and preach peace, not fuel anger.”

Osoro, Ichung’wah, Aladwa: A Defiant, United Front

National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro took an even harder line, labeling Gachagua a political liability whose tribal rhetoric was out of step with the spirit of national unity. He endorsed Farouk Kibet for MP of Turbo and vowed that Kenya Kwanza’s political base in Mt. Kenya remains firmly behind Ruto.

“All of Mt. Kenya is with us—except one man. Gachagua should stop threatening war in the name of politics. We’ve had elections before, and we know how this works,” Osoro said.

“The 2027 elections are already settled. What we should be talking about is 2032. William Ruto will finish his ten-year term. That’s not a debate.”

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah reiterated that economic empowerment remains the cornerstone of Ruto’s presidency and took a direct jab at Gachagua’s “Cousins” narrative.

“We are empowering every Kenyan to rise economically, not just a selected few. The politics of cousins is backward. It divides our people based on tribalism and political lineage. We reject it.”

Makadara MP George Aladwa echoed the call for order in the capital and warned that any politician who incites violence or encourages illegal assemblies should face legal consequences.

“If Rigathi Gachagua invites youth to the streets to cause chaos, he should be arrested. Let’s not pretend—we know what’s going on. Nairobi is not a war zone.”

Sakaja, Governors, and Women Leaders Speak

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joined the chorus in support of Ruto, urging Kenyans to reject leaders promoting ethnic divisions and reminding Nairobi residents that his leadership represents all 44 Kenyan tribes.

“There’s no poverty of one tribe—we are all Kenyans. Those who thrive on tribalism are outdated, and their days are numbered. Nairobi stands for peace, development, and unity,” Sakaja said.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii also reaffirmed that President Ruto has earned his second term through a strong development track record and grassroots empowerment efforts.

“Look at what the President has done in health, roads, and agriculture. That’s a leader who deserves ten years—not one.”

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo made pointed remarks about Gachagua’s shift from power to opposition rhetoric.

“He put Mitego in State House. Now he’s shouting about cousins and tribal alliances? Raila Odinga has become the statesman uniting the country—Gachagua is the one dividing it.”

Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi emphasized that “one-term propaganda” against Ruto is baseless.

“Anyone pushing for Ruto to leave after one term is doomed. The people elected him, and they’ll do it again.”

MPs From Across Kenya Rally Behind Ruto

MPs from various regions delivered a strong collective message: William Ruto is the candidate for 2027—and nothing will derail that path.

John Bwire (Taveta): “We are not cousins with Gachagua. This is Kenya, not a family estate. Ruto will go for a second term whether they like it or not.”

Mark Nyamita (Uriri): “Gachagua had one term as MP and a quarter term as Deputy President. Now he thinks Ruto should step down after one term too? It doesn’t work like that.”

Didmus Barasa (Kimilili): “Whether he agrees with the government or not, Ruto will win with over 10 million votes in 2027. Gachagua’s alliance with Natembeya will not stop us.”

Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache): “We applaud Raila for joining hands with Ruto. That unity has calmed the country. Gachagua, with his cousin story, is the one destabilizing peace.”

Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani): “They want to use young people to ignite unrest because they know they won’t win in 2027. We won’t allow that.”

Nabii Nabwera (Lugari):“Let me give you the math—Ruto will get 5 million votes from Rift Valley, 4 million from Western, 3 million from Nyanza, and 4.5 million from the Coast. That’s the next president right there.”

June 15, 2025