Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto’s development record in the Gusii region.
The former deputy president accuses Ruto of replacing development with political rhetoric in Kisii and Nyamira as he prepares for the 2027 election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua challenges Ruto over his development record in the Gusii region, accusing the President of neglecting residents. In a statement, he also urged William Ruto to stop using his name to win voters’ support.
Gachagua alleged that Ruto relied on promises, political slogans and financial handouts rather than delivering projects in Kisii and Nyamira. He argued that residents had little to show for backing the Kenya Kwanza government.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also warned against interference with his party’s aspirants ahead of the 2027 election.
Gachagua challenges Ruto on development promises
Gachagua claimed that, four years into Ruto’s administration, the region still lacked the infrastructure the President had promised. He cited roads, water, electricity and an airport among the projects he said Ruto had failed to deliver.
He also accused the President of memorising village and road names to project familiarity with local concerns. Gachagua described this as a repeat of the campaign approach Ruto used during the 2022 elections.
However, he argued that invoking his name or political nicknames could not substitute for investment in public services. His criticism extended to the proposed cancer hospital, which he alleged had undergone several launches.
Gachagua sarcastically suggested another relaunch of the hospital, linking the repeated announcements to his wider criticism of unfulfilled development promises.
DCP leader sets sights on 2027 contest
Meanwhile, Gachagua threatened political consequences over what he described as Ruto’s attempts to undermine opposition candidates. He cited the controversy over the President’s alleged efforts to court the family of his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
Turning to the presidential race, he described his claimed political victory over Ruto in Ol Kalou as a rehearsal. He pledged to extend that approach across all 290 constituencies ahead of the 2027 vote.
Gachagua said his camp would mobilise voters to resist electoral malpractice and the misuse of state institutions. He also accused the government of deploying police officers and public institutions to intimidate political opponents.
Further, he claimed that public servants were unhappy about their salaries and access to medical care. He predicted those grievances would translate into votes against Ruto, framing the election as an opportunity to reject the administration.
