NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto and his estranged former deputy Rigathi Gachagua are set to be in the United States at the same time, reigniting speculation that their bitter political fallout could eventually give way to renewed talks.
Gachagua flew to the US on Wednesday night for an extended tour, while Ruto is expected to travel to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which opens on September 8.
The coincidence has attracted attention amid renewed claims that the two former allies could use their time in the US to reopen communication.
There is, however, no evidence that Ruto and Gachagua have scheduled a meeting.
Moses Kuria fuels speculation
Former Cabinet Secretary and presidential adviser Moses Kuria has repeatedly suggested that Ruto and Gachagua could meet while in the US.
Kuria first raised the possibility on August 9, saying Gachagua was preparing for a September trip to the US at a time when Ruto would also be there.
“I don’t know what I’m saying, but watch this space,” Kuria said at the time.
He has since renewed the speculation, claiming Gachagua’s decision to travel to the US could give him an opportunity to make political decisions away from the influence of some of his close allies.
“On Sunday, 9th August 2026, I pre-warned Jeff Koinange and the world the real reason and timing of Rigathi Gachagua’s trip to the USA,” Kuria said on X.
“Today, he confirmed that there are things he will do there away from interference by his gullible cult followers like [Mukurwe-ini MP John] Kaguchia and [Nyandarua Senator John] Methu. Need I say more?”
Kuria has also previously suggested that the former allies could eventually reconcile before the 2027 General Election.
Cherargei claims Gachagua wants talks
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has further fuelled the speculation by claiming that Gachagua has been trying to establish communication with Ruto.
Speaking on Wednesday, Cherargei said there was information that Gachagua was seeking talks with the President.
“I want to assure you, even as you see Wamunyoro [Gachagua] going to the US, we have information that he has been trying to talk with the President,” Cherargei said.
He added that Ruto had previously made it clear that he was willing to work with other politicians but not Gachagua.
Cherargei argued that Gachagua was seeking to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region to strengthen his bargaining position in future political negotiations.
“I can tell you that once we win Ruto’s re-election, Rigathi will negotiate based on his numbers in Parliament, governors and MCAs, and say, this is what I want. That’s why he is going to the US,” he said.
Gachagua says US trip is for political reflection
Gachagua has presented his US tour as an opportunity to engage Kenyans in the diaspora, meet American allies and reflect on his political future.
He has also said he wants to make important political decisions without what he considers undue influence from people close to him.
His party has released an itinerary showing planned engagements in Spokane, Portland, Kansas, Dallas and Boston between September 4 and October 9.
The extended tour comes as Gachagua seeks to position himself as one of the leading figures in the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
His political strategy has increasingly focused on building a broad opposition coalition capable of challenging Ruto and turning him into what Gachagua and his allies describe as a ‘wantam’ — one-term President.
Malala says political rivals still communicate
Speculation about a possible rapprochement has also been amplified by comments from DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala.
Malala recently argued that politicians should not automatically be considered enemies simply because they belong to opposing political camps.
He said leaders across the political divide continue to communicate privately despite their public disagreements.
The remarks have added another layer to speculation that political rivals could maintain channels of communication even as their parties publicly campaign against each other.
Ruto rules out working with divisive leaders
Ruto, however, has recently appeared to draw a line around the politicians he is prepared to work with.
Days before Gachagua’s departure, the President said he was willing to cooperate with politicians across the political divide but would not work with leaders who promote what he described as ethnic bigotry, divisive rhetoric or insults against Kenyans.
Although Ruto did not mention Gachagua by name during his interview with the Daily Nation, the remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to his former deputy and the political differences that ultimately ended their partnership.
The relationship between Ruto and Gachagua deteriorated sharply after they came to power together in 2022.
Gachagua was subsequently impeached and removed from the Deputy Presidency in October 2024, bringing an end to one of Kenya’s most closely watched political partnerships.
US trip comes at critical political moment
The simultaneous presence of the two leaders in the US comes at a crucial stage in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Ruto is working to broaden his political alliances and defend his administration’s record as he seeks a second term.
Gachagua, meanwhile, is attempting to consolidate support within the opposition and build consensus around a candidate capable of defeating Ruto.
The opposition field remains crowded, with several political leaders positioning themselves for the presidency or seeking influence over the eventual opposition coalition.
