NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has responded sharply to calls by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging supporters to allow him space to address them, insisting that he does not require permission to speak to Kenyans.
Ruto made the remarks while speaking in Tigoni during the burial ceremony of Ol Karau MP the late David Kiaraho.
“I don’t need permission, I’m the President,” Ruto said, dismissing the “Nisiskie Wantam” remarks and affirming his authority to engage directly with the public.
The political atmosphere in Kenya continues to show signs of tension, particularly following Gachagua’s impeachment and his subsequent shift into an opposition role. Amid this backdrop, the former DP issued new directives to his supporters.
Speaking at the same burial ceremony, Gachagua gave a firm directive, urging his supporters to maintain order and decorum and allow President Ruto to address them.
Amid mounting speculation about a fractured voter base in Mt. Kenya, Gachagua sought to control the narrative, emphasizing that respect for the office of the President is paramount, regardless of personal political grievances. He aimed to prevent chaotic heckling that he argues weakens the region’s bargaining power.
“There will be no confrontation here. Ruto apewe heshima yake; akienda pahali asikizwe, na akimaliza aende. Nisiskie ng’we ama wantam! Hata kama tukona shida, tutatatua huko mbele wakati wa uchaguzi. For now, let him do what he needs to do,” he said.
While emphasizing respect, Gachagua’s statement does not signal reconciliation. He has continued to criticize President Ruto’s administration on various issues, framing the 2027 election as the ultimate showdown.
By urging his supporters to remain calm, Gachagua is positioning himself as a disciplined leader who respects the office but disapproves of the occupant, rather than as a provocateur.
Gachagua has previously urged Ruto to stop using “abusive language” towards citizens and to focus on lowering the cost of living, while asserting that the Mt. Kenya region intends to chart a different course in 2027.
The mandate is clear: the President gets his moment, but the political battle will be fought later. Gachagua’s focus is on keeping his base disciplined, prepared, and aligned, projecting himself as a voice of restraint in a deeply polarized environment.
