Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that the opposition is plotting to unseat President William Ruto unconstitutionally, saying the “wantam” movement is not interested in taking power outside the law.

Responding to President Ruto’s Wednesday remarks that some political leaders are fuelling unrest to force regime change, Gachagua insisted that their campaign is grounded in the Constitution and not aimed at destabilising the government.

“Mr President, nobody wants to overthrow your government, nobody wants you out of power through unconstitutional means,” Gachagua said at a press conference after Ruto’s address.

“We want to advise you that the wantam movement is not getting you out of power outside the Constitution.”

The former Deputy President said the opposition is focused on removing Ruto from office through democratic means at the ballot in 2027, and accused the Head of State of fabricating the claims to clamp down on dissent.

“Nobody wants you out of government unconstitutionally. We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax. This is just an excuse to persecute opposition leaders,” he said.

But earlier in the day, President Ruto had warned those he claimed were scheming to topple his administration through unlawful tactics. Speaking during an inspection of the Kilimani Police Housing Project in Nairobi, the President warned that his government would not allow shortcuts to power.

“If anyone has political ambitions, let them prepare for 2027. But there will be no shortcuts in between. This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and want to have a change in government using unconstitutional means. It’s not going to happen,” he said.

The Head of State said his government remains committed to development and will not allow unrest, which he claimed is being fuelled by political actors who do not want to wait for the next election.

“I’ve seen some leaders moving around town, claiming they won’t wait for the 2027 elections. They say they want to cause chaos, burn people’s property, and bring suffering to Kenyans in an attempt to overthrow the government before 2027. I want to tell them, let them try, and they’ll learn the hard way,” he said.

Ruto maintained that Kenya’s leadership will be determined at the ballot, not through bloodshed, destruction, or incitement.

“We cannot determine the leadership of Kenya through violence, destruction of property, or bloodshed. That is not going to happen in this country. They need to think carefully,” he warned.

He further vowed to maintain law and order, saying his government would not tolerate any further destruction of public or private property.

“I will protect the property and lives of Kenyans—this is the responsibility of the Government of Kenya under my leadership,” Ruto said.

“This habit of destroying property and burning people’s businesses must come to an end. It has to stop. We cannot accept mayhem and anarchy to destroy the development we have achieved in our country.”

The President also questioned why opposition figures were directing what he described as chaos and disrespect only at his administration and not those of previous Presidents.

“Mzee Kenyatta, Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru all served as presidents. Why is all this chaos being directed at me and not at Kibaki or Uhuru? What is the reason behind this arrogance and disrespect?” he posed.

“Let us address our issues, but we must do so without hatred, tribalism, pride, or contempt. We are all Kenyans.”

He reaffirmed that his government is focused on economic transformation and vowed not to be distracted by threats or political manoeuvres.