Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has boldly predicted that President William Ruto’s tenure will be limited to a single term, claiming the opposition will send him home in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Sunday, March 9 at ACK Trinity Church in Kitengela Township, Kajiado County, Gachagua asserted that Ruto has “swallowed” the opposition, but this strategy will ultimately backfire.
“I know people think that two years is a long time; don’t worry, two years may look long but time moves very fast. Do not worry, the time is coming,” Gachagua stated, subtly hinting at an impending shift in the political landscape.
He urged members of Generation Z and Millennials to register as voters in large numbers in preparation for the next election, emphasizing their potential to reshape the country’s future.
“Gen Zs and Millennials will sort out the problem of Kenya once and for all in the next election. As much as you are doing a good job on the Internet, the real task lies ahead,” he said.
“Politics is a game of numbers and the numbers are good. Kenyans have told us to get the formula and we have it. I have never made wrong calculations.” he reiterated.
The former DP was accompanied by a host of political figures, including MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), and Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Seki ole Kanar (Kajiado), and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), and former lawmakers Cate Waruguru and Victor Munyaka.
Gachagua further argued that Ruto’s re-election prospects are being significantly damaged by the alleged spate of abductions that occurred during his first term, particularly during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests in June of last year. Human rights organizations estimated that nearly 100 people disappeared during this period, with some later being found alive.
“Youths are abducted and killed by officers. The government you lead is killing children who are just agitating for their rights. I had a big problem with Ruto over abductions and extra judicial killings,” Gachagua stated. He believes that despite Ruto’s attempts to quell the uprising by incorporating the opposition into a broader government, the issue of abductions will remain a significant stain on his administration.
“Even if you unite with the Opposition and announce as many roads, abductions will bring you down,” Gachagua warned.
Gachagua’s remarks signal a growing rift and underscore the potential for a highly contested election cycle in 2027.
His remarks come just days after President William Ruto and Azimio Coalition Leader Raila Odinga, Closed Ranks, Merging UDA and ODM Parties.
President Ruto has affirmed that his political cooperation with ODM leader Raila Odinga is aimed at uniting the country.
The President also dismissed criticism that their agreement, signed last Friday, was a prelude to a power-sharing deal ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to residents of Eastleigh during his tour of the Kamukunji Constituency on Monday, March 10, Ruto reiterated his commitment to national unity by decisively addressing tribalism.
“Last Friday, I signed an agreement with Honorable Raila Odinga, and we agreed to eliminate exclusion while promoting inclusivity and equity,” Ruto said.
“We have agreed to work together because unity will accelerate development in our country.”
This was the first time Ruto publicly addressed the agreement, which has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
While some critics argue that the deal is a strategic move to secure political support for Ruto’s re-election in 2027, others have praised it as a bold step toward national cohesion.
