Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto to stop criticising retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he, rather than his former boss, is the political rival Ruto should prepare to face in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said Uhuru had retired and would not be on the ballot next year, urging Ruto to stop dragging him into the political contest and instead address issues affecting Kenyans.
Speaking in Naivasha town during his tour of Nakuru County, Gachagua challenged Ruto to face him directly at the ballot rather than blame Uhuru for opposition to his administration.
“Wachana na Rais Uhuru Kenyatta. Hashindani na wewe. Uhuru hatakuwa kwa debe. Wewe kubali mpinzani wako, mguu ni Rigathi Gachagua. Mtapambana naye kwa debe,” he said.
“Riggy G is your competitor. Uhuru is not your competitor.”
His remarks came a day after Ruto criticised Uhuru while addressing residents in Eldoret, accusing his predecessor of sponsoring some political figures seeking to challenge his administration.
Ruto questioned the record of the Kenyatta administration on affordable housing, universal health coverage and education, challenging voters to compare its performance with that of his government.
“Yule sponsor wao si alishindwa na maneno ya affordable housing, si alishindwa na mambo ya universal health coverage, si alishindwa na maneno ya kusomesha watoto wetu?” Ruto asked.
He also criticised Uhuru for allegedly deploying political allies to challenge his administration, declaring: “Ati sasa ameenda kupanga vibaraka wake ati anatuma hapa watu wakuje washindane na mimi. Hawa watu nitawaosha asubuhi na mapema.”
Gachagua responded by defending Uhuru’s record and criticising the Ruto administration over what he described as challenges facing the country.
He said Uhuru had handed over a peaceful country and functioning institutions, but claimed the situation had worsened under Ruto.
He also criticised the administration over the education sector, claiming Kenyatta had left behind a system in which schools and universities were receiving government support.
On the economy, Gachagua claimed Kenyans had more money in their pockets when Uhuru left office, blaming the current administration for increasing pressure on households.
“Uhuru alikuachia watu wakiwa na pesa mifukoni, lakini sasa hawana chochote,” he said.
Gachagua told Ruto to stop shifting blame to his predecessor and instead take responsibility for the state of the country.
“Wewe shida yako ni wewe umejiletea mwenyewe. Wachana na Rais Uhuru Kenyatta, apumzike,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that Kenyatta was sponsoring candidates against Ruto, arguing that the retired President was no longer seeking elective office.
“Where does Uhuru come in this competition? He has served for 10 years, and he won’t be elected again,” he said.
Gachagua said the 2027 contest would be a direct political battle between himself and Ruto, recalling the fallout that followed their 2022 presidential campaign.
