Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his offensive against President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of presiding over growing insecurity and economic decline while carefully leaving the door open for possible engagement with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
His latest remarks, delivered over the past two days, have placed security, governance and the country's political future at the centre of the opposition's campaign, coming barely a week after the closely contested Ol Kalou by-election.
Responding to President Ruto's directive ordering security agencies to crack down on criminal gangs, Mr Gachagua questioned the timing of the order, arguing that the government should first account for the rise in insecurity.
"You cannot pretend to fight goons when Kenyans know who has been protecting and sponsoring them. The government must first clean its own house before issuing directives," Mr Gachagua said.
He claimed the administration had failed to protect citizens and accused it of using security as a political tool, remarks that drew swift condemnation from government allies.
The former deputy president also renewed his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration's handling of the economy, insisting that ordinary Kenyans continue to bear the burden of high taxes, rising food prices and unemployment.
"Kenyans were promised a better life, but what they have received are higher taxes, more hardship and growing uncertainty," he said.
His latest attacks come as the government continues to defend its economic reforms, arguing that the measures are necessary to stabilise the economy and reduce the country's debt burden.
Mr Gachagua also found himself at the centre of another public spat with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi after questioning the legislator's academic credentials during a political address.
Mr Sudi dismissed the criticism, accusing Mr Gachagua of arrogance and reminding him that many leaders without advanced academic qualifications had contributed significantly to the country's development.
The exchange has further exposed widening cracks between former allies who once campaigned together under the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Yet amid the hard-hitting criticism, Mr Gachagua struck a noticeably different tone when speaking about Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In remarks that caught many political observers by surprise, he acknowledged that Prof Kindiki had made valid observations regarding the political mood in the Mt Kenya region.
"If someone speaks the truth, I have no problem acknowledging it. Politics should not stop us from recognising facts," Mr Gachagua said.
The comments have fuelled speculation that the former deputy president could be recalibrating his political strategy by distinguishing between President Ruto and his deputy as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political analyst Martin Ochieng said the change in tone could be deliberate.
"Gachagua appears to be expanding his national profile. By attacking the President while softening his position on Kindiki, he is keeping his political options open without appearing inconsistent," he said.
The former deputy president has also continued to defend his controversial appeal urging tourists and foreign investors to postpone visiting Kenya until after the next General Election, arguing that security concerns should not be ignored.
The remarks have attracted criticism from the government and tourism stakeholders, who warn that such statements risk damaging Kenya's international image and undermining investor confidence.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed the claims, insisting the country remains peaceful and open for business.
"Kenya is safe. Our security agencies remain vigilant and visitors should have confidence in our country as a leading investment and tourism destination," Mr Mwaura said.
As political temperatures continue to rise, Mr Gachagua's latest statements suggest he is positioning himself as the face of the opposition's challenge to President Ruto, with security and the cost of living emerging as his principal campaign themes.
