Ruto allies hit out at Gachagua, campaign for 2027 elections

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the funeral of late Eric Mutugi son of former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti in Kanyuambora, Mbeere North, Embu County. January 3, 2024. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

MPs close to President William Ruto have trained their guns on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

As they lashed out at Gachagua, the impeached DP who has turned out to be Ruto’s major critic, they campaigned for the President’s re-election in 2027.

They blamed the intensified social media criticism of President Ruto and his administration on efforts by Gachagua to undermine the President because of his decision to work with the opposition under the broad-based government.

Ruto’s allies from Central, Rift Valley, and Western regions told the President at an interdenominational church service in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County, that he will secure a second term in the next elections.

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinyali said the Western region will back Ruto for a second term.

“We have seen the housing projects. The cost of maize flour is currently Sh90 and naysayers have nothing to say,” Shinyali said.

Navokholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe also said the region will solidly rally behind Ruto in the next election.

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Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap said Ruto’s second term in 2027 was imminent as the church service to celebrate peace in the troubled Kerio Valley turned into a campaign platform.

“Your second term is loading. If you are able to come to Kerio Valley and restore peace, then you are the hero,” Makilap said.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, a fierce defender of the President, also said Ruto would sail smoothly to a second term.

“Have you seen a one-term President in Kenya and many countries?” the Kapseret MP posed.

Others lashed out at Gachagua, describing him as an ungrateful man who plotted what they termed as evil against his former boss. Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku told Ruto to Ignore Gachagua, saying the former DP was idle.

“There are many people who are ignoring idle talk and are in farms producing food,” he said.

Tiaty MP William Kamket claimed the former DP was behind the increasing anti-government criticism.

“Those who are trying to destabilise the government are backed by Gachagua and the likes of Natembeya. If they continue destabilizing your administration, go ahead and arrest them,” said Kamket.

Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot told Ruto to ignore criticism and focus on his agenda. The Kericho senator said the President was on track to deliver his re-election.

“Last year, you listened more to social media warriors and critics but this year, pay attention to those of us who are on the ground,” Cheruiyot said.

Ruto outlined the successes of his Kenya Kwanza administration.

“We have come here to celebrate the success of our country and peace, not only in Kerio Valley but across the nation,” Ruto said.