Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at President William Ruto following his recent remarks that with the departure of Raila Odinga from active politics, he has no remaining political challenger.
Speaking on Monday, November 3, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s claims, warning that the president’s real challenge comes not from politicians but from the citizens dissatisfied with his leadership.
“I have heard William Ruto bragging that with the demise of Raila Odinga, he has no opponent. I would like to inform him that we are not his opponents; his opponents are the people of Kenya,” he said.
Speaking in Malava on Thursday, October 30, Ruto dismissed the current opposition as lacking a credible agenda, declaring that his only worthy competitor was Raila.
He took a swipe at opposition leaders, claiming they have no vision for the country and are instead focusing on divisive politics.
“Let me ask you, Malava people, when you look at me like this, are those people the only ones I’m competing with? My only worthy competitor was Raila Odinga. I will finish these ones in the morning,” he said.
Ruto accused the opposition of fueling tribalism, spreading hate, and causing chaos without presenting any substantive development agenda for Kenyans.
“And not for no reason. It’s because they have no agenda, no plan. They are just fueling tribalism, hate, bringing about chaos and losses,” he stated.
As such, Ruto urged Kenyans to focus on development matters rather than premature political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let’s plan about the roads, education, employment, health and the rest, then we meet at 2027,” he further said.
