Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that Central Kenya, where he holds political sway, has officially severed ties with President William Ruto and will not support his re-election bid in 2027.
Gachagua spoke to vernacular stations from his Wamunyoro home on Sunday evening, framing his statement as a “interim report” on the country’s political climate and the changing dynamics of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region.
“We, the people of Central Kenya, have cut political ties with President Ruto from today,” Gachagua declared. “We will not support him in 2027.”
The former second-in-command also announced that the region was officially withdrawing from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, effectively ending its alliance with the ruling coalition.
“We are done with UDA,” he affirmed. “Never again will we go to an election without our own political party. Last time, we attended the wedding in the groom’s car, but when we got to the river, he told us to alight and picked other people.”
Gachagua also issued a stern warning to Central Kenya leaders who support President Ruto, claiming that they would face political repercussions.
“This region will vote out all leaders who prioritize their own interests over the community,” he warned. “Those who sell our people for their personal gain will never see leadership again in Mt. Kenya.”
He further cautioned that any leader from the region who cheers while the ‘President disrespects the community would be marked and rejected at the ballot’.
“Our people already know who these individuals are. When the time comes, they will be dealt with accordingly.”
Gachagua also revealed that he and his newfound allies are in the final stages of forming a new political party, which will be unveiled in May.
“The party is ready, but I am careful not to release the name or finer details too soon to prevent sabotage,” he said. “We have been holding meetings with leaders from Samburu, Kisii, Western
Kenya, Ukambani, and beyond. Our network is expanding.”
For the past three months, Gachagua claimed he has been operating on a relentless schedule, starting his days at 5 a.m. and ending them at midnight, meeting various stakeholders nationwide.
“I never sleep before midnight,” he revealed. “At first, I thought only my people were affected by these issues, but I have come to understand that the entire country is frustrated with this regime.”
He said every delegation that has visited him has voiced dissatisfaction with governance, the healthcare system, stalled projects, and the growing burden of pending bills.
“The government owes over Ksh.900 billion in unpaid bills, and a significant portion of that is owed to Mt. Kenya businesspeople,” he noted.
“People have lost homes, others are being evicted, some have fallen into depression, while others have seen their families break apart due to financial distress.”
Among the pressing issues raised in his meetings, Gachagua highlighted the resurgence of illicit brews and criminal sects in Central Kenya, blaming lax enforcement and neglect by the government.
He also criticized President Ruto’s recent decision to scrap the 60-year-old vetting requirement for residents of border counties to acquire national identity cards, alleging a hidden agenda.
“This is part of a broader scheme to alienate the Mt. Kenya region by attempting to manipulate voter demographics,” he claimed.
“But let me be clear: any attempt to isolate our community will fail. Kenyans do not have a problem with us; they have a problem with President Ruto.”
