Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has stirred political debate after stating that he would rather vote for President William Ruto than support former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a future presidential contest.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, June 8, 2026, Wambugu, a long-time critic of Gachagua, said he believes the former deputy president would be a worse choice for the country than the current head of state.
According to the former legislator, Kenya's political future should not be reduced to a choice between dissatisfaction with the current administration and support for leaders he believes are unfit to govern.
“If you tell me you are replacing Gachagua with Ruto, I will vote for Ruto. Because Gachagua, at this moment in time, is much worse than Ruto. Kama ‘WamTam’ ni Gachagua; wacha Ruto afanye ‘Tutam’,” Wambugu said.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua positioning himself as a key opposition figure following his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Despite identifying himself as a member of the WamTam political movement, Wambugu maintained that backing President Ruto's bid for a second term would be preferable to supporting Gachagua's presidential ambitions.
The former MP argued that political leaders should be evaluated based on their leadership qualities, track record, and vision for the country rather than regional loyalties or political slogans.
Wambugu has consistently been among the most vocal critics of Gachagua within the Mt Kenya political landscape, often challenging the former deputy president's leadership style and political strategy.
His latest comments are likely to fuel further debate within the region as political leaders continue to position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential race.
