In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Gachagua argued that the Fourth President was not Ruto’s opponent in the upcoming election and accused the Head of State of attempting to divert attention from issues affecting millions of Kenyans.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta is not your opponent in this election. You are just trying a bad deflection,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua responds to Ruto’s Uhuru attacks
Gachagua’s remarks came in response to recent comments by Ruto targeting Uhuru, with the President questioning whether his predecessor could defeat him politically after failing to do so during the 2022 presidential election.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday, September 15, 2026, while addressing a political gathering in Siaya, reigniting debate over the relationship between the two former political allies.
Gachagua, however, dismissed the focus on Uhuru and argued that the 2027 election should instead be centred on the needs and concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
He said the President should explain how his administration intends to address the challenges facing citizens rather than engaging retired leaders in political exchanges.
Gachagua lists Kenyans at centre of 2027 contest
The former Deputy President said workers, young people, businesses, patients, parents and students should be at the centre of the political conversation ahead of the election.
“Your opponents are the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said, before highlighting various groups of Kenyans and the challenges he associates with the current administration.
His remarks reflect the increasingly confrontational political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Ruto and opposition leaders trading accusations as they seek to consolidate support across the country.
Gachagua has increasingly positioned the DCP as part of the opposition campaign against Ruto, while seeking to mobilise support around issues affecting households and communities.
The former Deputy President’s latest intervention is likely to fuel the wider debate over whether the 2027 contest will be driven primarily by personalities and past political rivalries or by competing policy proposals and development records.
