Gachagua Steps Up Attacks On Ruto During Westlands Leaders Meeting
Politics Updated: 08 July 2026 18:59 EAT
Photo courtesy: DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua speaking at his Wamunyoro home
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto, accusing the Head of State of failing Nairobi residents and mismanaging the country’s affairs. Gachagua made the remarks during a consultative meeting with leaders from Westlands Constituency held at his Wamunyoro residence.
Gachagua said the ongoing meetings at Wamunyoro were aimed at consulting Kenyans on political plans ahead of the 2027 General Election. He said the discussions included efforts to identify a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the next election.
The former Deputy President said his current engagements were focused on building political alliances and working with other leaders to develop an alternative political movement. He told the Westlands delegation that the consultations had entered the 45th day.
Gachagua accused President Ruto of abandoning promises allegedly made before the 2022 election, particularly on demolitions and evictions in Nairobi. He claimed that after taking office, the government carried out demolitions affecting traders and residents in different parts of the city.
He criticised the handling of Nairobi’s informal businesses, accusing the national government and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of frustrating traders and public transport operators. Gachagua linked his removal from office to disagreements over policies affecting Nairobi residents, including demolitions.
The former Deputy President also accused the government of allowing criminal gangs to operate in Nairobi, claiming that some groups had been used for political purposes. He said insecurity in the city had affected businesses, residents and traders.
Gachagua further alleged that political violence had targeted specific communities, including residents of the Mt Kenya region. He called on Kenyans to avoid violence and instead use constitutional means, including voting, to change leadership.
He said he had advised Kenyans to stay away from demonstrations during recent protests, arguing that leaders should not encourage citizens to engage in activities that could lead to loss of lives or destruction of property.
Gachagua also accused President Ruto of targeting savings held by cooperative societies. He claimed that Kenya’s cooperative sector, which he said has millions of members and significant savings, should be protected from government interference.
The former Deputy President criticised proposals and discussions around using cooperative savings for development projects, saying workers’ and farmers’ savings should remain protected. He called on members of Saccos to remain vigilant over their funds.
Gachagua also raised concerns about the future of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC), accusing the government of planning changes that could negatively affect small-scale dairy farmers. He said the company remained an important institution for farmers.
He accused President Ruto and his allies of weakening political allies who supported him before the 2022 elections. Gachagua cited his own fallout with the President and mentioned other former allies whom he claimed had faced political challenges after disagreements with the government.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader also criticised government taxation and economic policies, claiming that businesses and workers were struggling due to increased financial pressure. He urged Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the next election.
Gachagua accused the government of favouring some regions in development and resource allocation. He questioned the distribution of government projects and financial support, saying all communities should receive equal treatment.
He also claimed that large amounts of money had been spent during political events in some areas, arguing that such spending demonstrated unequal treatment among different parts of the country.
The former Deputy President defended his role in the 2022 presidential campaign, saying he supported President Ruto because he believed he had changed politically. He accused the President of disappointing those who supported him.
Gachagua said his political mission was to remove President Ruto through the ballot and not through street protests. He maintained that elections remained the only legitimate way for Kenyans to choose their leaders.
The former Deputy President concluded by urging leaders and residents to continue consultations as he builds political networks ahead of 2027. The government and leaders mentioned in his remarks have previously denied various accusations made against them, insisting that their policies are aimed at national development.
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