Eugene Wamalwa, former Defence Cabinet Secretary and senior leader of the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K), has told President William Ruto that anyone seeking to engage the United Opposition must first speak to cousin Rigathi Gachagua.
“The United Opposition has one family spokesperson, Rigathi Gachagua. If anyone wants to reach the Opposition, they know the address—go to Wamunyoro and talk to him,” Wamalwa said, emphasizing that “unity is not an option; it is truly an imperative, the most lethal weapon in the Opposition’s arsenal.”
The remarks come amid a bitter political feud between Ruto and Gachagua. Once allies, Gachagua was impeached by MPs aligned to Ruto, exposing deep fractures in the ruling coalition. Analysts say the impeachment was both a power play and a warning to the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has been openly critical of Ruto, questioning the President’s “First World” promises as disconnected from the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, from healthcare to education. He has also accused Ruto of orchestrating deals with allies, including Gideon Moi, to weaken Mt. Kenya’s political cohesion. “Our job is to get you out of the government; we will plan ourselves later,” Gachagua said in a recent statement, signaling the opposition’s determination.
Ruto, in turn, has dismissed such criticisms as politically motivated. He accused Gachagua and others of manufacturing crises and of demanding political concessions while threatening his presidency. “You are the same people who said we cannot lower the cost of living, improve education and provide better healthcare,” Ruto said, insisting his administration has a clear plan to steer the country forward.
