NAIROBI, Kenya – Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of attempting to divide Kenyans along tribal lines, arguing that leaders who fail to deliver on campaign promises resort to political divisions to distract the public.
Speaking in Rongai, Gachagua said Kenyans had become politically mature and would not allow themselves to be turned against one another, challenging the government to focus on delivering essential services instead of engaging in what he described as political gimmicks.
“When an administration fails to deliver services, it resorts to pitting communities against one another through a divide-and-rule tactic,” Gachagua said in a statement.
The former Deputy President argued that citizens were more concerned about access to education, better working conditions and affordable healthcare than political confrontations.
“Kenya is beyond political gimmicks and PR stunts. Kenyans simply want a government that meets their basic needs: free education, better working conditions and free healthcare,” he stated.
His remarks add to the escalating political exchanges between Ruto and opposition leaders as political formations take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua Promises Different Leadership Under Opposition
Gachagua said the United Opposition was preparing to form what he described as a compassionate government focused on restoring constitutionalism, the rule of law and respect for human life.
He expressed confidence that Kenyans would support the opposition’s bid to form the country’s next administration, arguing that the government needed to be judged by its delivery on public services.
The DCP leader also accused those in power of ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens while concentrating on political manoeuvres.
He assured his supporters that an opposition-led administration would seek to restore public confidence in government and address citizens’ concerns.
“We assure the people of Kenya: we will not let you down or forsake you. Together, we will restore the dignity of our country and its people,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks come as opposition leaders continue consultations on building a united political front ahead of the next general election. The DCP has been engaging other opposition figures as parties consider how to coordinate their political strategies.
Gachagua Presses Ruto Over Kenyans Recruited to Fight in Russia
The former Deputy President also challenged Ruto to accelerate efforts to bring home Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine.
He called on the President to prioritise the safety and repatriation of affected citizens following his visit to Russia.
The issue has drawn growing public concern, with families seeking answers about relatives who travelled abroad after reportedly being promised civilian employment but ended up in military service.
A report published on October 15, 2026, listed 77 Kenyans on the frontline, 38 in military camps, 52 whose whereabouts were unknown or unclassified and 34 hospitalised. It also reported that 62 had been repatriated, while five were prisoners of war in Ukraine.
In March 2026, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced that Kenya and Russia had agreed that Kenyans would no longer be eligible to enlist in the Russian military to fight in Ukraine. The agreement also included plans for consular assistance to Kenyans already recruited who required support.
Gachagua’s latest demand puts the focus on the fate of those already caught up in the conflict, including citizens whose families are still seeking information about their whereabouts.
DCP Leader Warns Ruto Over Remarks About Uhuru Kenyatta
Gachagua also criticised Ruto over his recent verbal attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, warning the Head of State against what he described as reckless remarks about his predecessor.
He said the criticism directed at Uhuru would not be tolerated by the people of the Mount Kenya region or Kenyans more broadly.
The exchange comes amid an increasingly public dispute between the two leaders over Uhuru’s role in opposition politics.
Ruto has accused his predecessor of supporting political opponents seeking to challenge the government ahead of the 2027 election. Gachagua has repeatedly rejected the President’s attacks on Uhuru, arguing that the administration should address its own challenges instead of blaming the former Head of State.
The latest remarks bring together three issues Gachagua is using to challenge the government: service delivery, the treatment of Kenyans recruited into Russia’s war effort and the political dispute involving the country’s two former and current presidents.
