NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ruled out any political rapprochement with President William Ruto, saying a decision to work with the Head of State would damage his standing with supporters.
Gachagua said his followers would abandon him if he chose to reconcile with President Ruto, referencing former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political experience after he reached an agreement with opposition leader Raila Odinga following the 2017 General Election.
“If today I shook hands with William Ruto, that’s the end of my career. The people will not follow me. Ask President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President further criticized politicians who seek government positions or benefits, warning them against bringing what he described as a tainted political deal to the public.
“Those who can go to State House and pick some money, let them go but they should not bring to us since it is stained with Gen Z blood,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid continued political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition figures and former allies of the Kenya Kwanza administration positioning themselves for the next electoral contest.
He was speaking during a live Podcast with University of Nairobi Lecturer Herman Manyora.
The former Deputy President has increasingly presented himself as a defender of what he describes as the interests of ordinary Kenyans, while criticizing the government’s handling of issues raised by young people, including economic challenges and governance concerns.
President Ruto and Gachagua fell out after serving together in the Kenya Kwanza administration following their 2022 election victory. Gachagua was later removed from office through an impeachment process in 2024, becoming Kenya’s first Deputy President to leave office through impeachment.
The political fallout between the two leaders has continued to shape alliances ahead of the 2027 polls, with Gachagua building his political movement outside the ruling coalition.
