President William Ruto has dismissed repeated claims by opposition leaders that they remain united and are working towards fielding a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
Ruto questioned why Kenyans should be concerned about whether opposition leaders remain together or whether they eventually settle on one candidate, saying such matters should be left to the politicians involved.
“I am surprised that some people make a lot of noise every morning telling us that they are still together and have not fallen apart.
Every morning they say they will bring one candidate. For the last one and a half years, every day it is the same story,” Ruto said.
The President challenged the opposition to instead explain its plans for the country and what it intends to offer voters ahead of the next election.
“Who asked them? Who cares whether you are together or whether you have one candidate or ten? That is your business. Kenyans want to know what your plan is,” he said.
Ruto also launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, referring to him sarcastically as “Mr Chuki of Texas.”
The President accused Gachagua of extortion and claimed that people seeking meetings with him were allegedly expected to pay large sums of money.
“You are the chief extortionist. You have harassed people by extorting them. I hear that if a governor wants to see you, they have to give you Sh10 million,” Ruto alleged.
He further claimed that Gachagua had previously been accused of extortion and said his alleged conduct had caused difficulties for business people and political candidates.
Ruto also rejected Gachagua’s claims that he played a major role in helping Ruto win the presidency.
The President pointed to his own political experience, saying he had been elected seven times while Gachagua had only been elected once.
“I have been elected seven times. You have been elected once. Too much arrogance and little wisdom,” Ruto said.
Ruto also recounted the political journey that led to Gachagua becoming his deputy in 2022, saying he had supported him despite his earlier electoral defeat.
He claimed that Gachagua later fell out with several people before eventually leaving government and turning against his administration.
Ruto’s remarks come as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders exploring possible coalitions and a joint presidential ticket.
The President accused some politicians of assuming that they personally control large blocks of voters, arguing that Kenyan voters ultimately have the power to decide who gets elected.
He said politicians should not claim ownership of votes or treat voters as though they were political property.
