Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday condemned political violence, describing it as backward and cowardly, as he continued his grassroots mobilisation tour in Kajiado County.
Speaking at Isinya Shopping Centre, Mr Gachagua said Kenya must move away from confrontational politics and focus on development, service delivery and accountability in the use of public resources.
“There is no room for violence in Kenya; such retrogressive habits show backwardness and cowardice of leaders,” he said. “Anyone using violence against Kenyans must understand what the people deserve are better roads, cleaner cities, good services and proper utilisation of their taxes.”
His remarks come at a time of heightened political activity across the country, with leaders criss-crossing regions to consolidate support amid early alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Gachagua’s message in Kajiado signals a shift in tone from his recent hard-hitting criticism of the government to a more issue-based appeal centred on governance and service delivery.
The former deputy president has in recent months been engaged in a sustained political fallout with President William Ruto, a relationship that once formed the backbone of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The two leaders campaigned together in the 2022 elections, riding on a populist platform that promised economic empowerment for ordinary Kenyans. Mr Gachagua served as Mr Ruto’s principal assistant in government before their alliance unraveled in a bitter and public split.
Since his exit from the inner circles of power, Mr Gachagua has recast himself as a critic of the administration, accusing it of sidelining leaders and failing to address the needs of ordinary citizens. His allies have also claimed harassment, allegations the government has repeatedly denied.
In Isinya, however, Mr Gachagua avoided direct attacks on the President, instead framing his message around the need for responsible leadership and a break from what he termed outdated political practices.
Analysts say the approach could be aimed at broadening his appeal beyond his traditional support base, particularly in regions like Kajiado where political loyalties have historically been fluid.
“By shifting the conversation to development and governance, he is attempting to position himself as a national leader rather than a regional kingpin,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst.
Residents who attended the meeting raised concerns over infrastructure, cost of living and access to basic services — issues that have dominated political discourse across the country in recent months.
Mr Gachagua said leaders must prioritise such concerns instead of engaging in divisive or violent politics.
“What Kenyans want is clear — better roads, clean towns, efficient services and accountability for their taxes,” he said.
His visit to Isinya is part of a broader outreach programme that has seen him traverse several counties, holding meetings with grassroots supporters and local leaders as he builds a political network outside government.
The engagements, often informal and community-focused, contrast with the high-level state functions he once attended as deputy president, reflecting his transition from government insider to opposition figure.
Even so, his continued presence on the political stage underscores the shifting dynamics within Kenya’s leadership, where former allies are increasingly charting separate paths as the next election cycle slowly comes into view.
Mr Gachagua concluded his address by thanking residents of Isinya for engaging with him, expressing optimism that the country could move forward through peaceful and issue-driven politics.
