Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his attacks on President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of widespread corruption, economic mismanagement and sponsoring violence against innocent Kenyans as the opposition steps up its nationwide campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a rally in Molo, Nyaki West in Imenti North, Gachagua claimed the country had been brought "to its knees" by rampant looting and failed government policies, saying Kenyans deserved a leadership change.
"They are looting our nation to its knees while unleashing goons on innocent Kenyans; we shall never forget the atrocities on each of the 55 million of us," Gachagua told supporters.
He said residents of Molo and the larger Imenti North constituency were experiencing the same economic hardships affecting the rest of the country, including rising living costs, unemployment and declining public services.
"Molo, Nyaki West residents, Imenti North have been under pain of failed systems and policy just like all other Kenyans," he said.
The former deputy president added that the challenges facing the country had strengthened the opposition's resolve to unite Kenyans behind a common agenda.
"That powers that commitment spirit of unity and collaboration to a better Kenya. We shall continue strong and no doubt Kenya will get back better," he said.
Gachagua's remarks come as the opposition continues a series of political rallies across the country under the Linda Mwananchi movement, where leaders have criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration over the high cost of living, taxation, unemployment and governance.
Opposition leaders, including Edwin Sifuna, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Fred Matiang'i, have repeatedly accused the government of failing to address the economic challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
They have also condemned incidents of violence witnessed during some political and public gatherings, alleging that criminal gangs have been used to intimidate government critics and disrupt opposition activities. Government officials have consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that security agencies operate independently and that anyone involved in criminal acts is dealt with according to the law.
The opposition has further pledged to prioritize electoral reforms ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election, insisting that protecting the integrity of the vote will be central to its campaign.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has defended his administration's record, saying the government is implementing transformative development projects, creating employment opportunities and stabilizing the economy despite global economic pressures.
Ruto has dismissed opposition criticism as politically motivated, urging Kenyans to judge his administration based on its achievements in infrastructure development, affordable housing, healthcare and agricultural reforms.
The latest remarks by Gachagua underscore the increasingly confrontational tone of Kenya's political landscape as both the government and opposition intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
With just over a year before the country heads to the polls, economic performance, governance, public security and electoral credibility are emerging as the dominant issues likely to shape the campaigns.
