Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharpened his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, warning that granting the current regime another term would be “catastrophic” for the country, as a growing political rift exposes sharply competing narratives over Kenya’s direction.
Speaking during a meeting in Chuluni, Kitui East Constituency, Kitui County, Gachagua accused the government of prioritising personal enrichment over public service. He claimed the administration had entrenched corruption, weaponised political violence, and shown “blatant disrespect for the rule of law.”
“It would be catastrophic to give another chance to a clueless regime that has no intention of changing our country,” Gachagua said, adding that the use of “goons to manipulate politics” had become normalized.
His remarks come as President Ruto has repeatedly defended his record, insisting his administration has delivered on key promises since taking office. In past addresses, Ruto has pointed to investments in infrastructure, social programs, and economic stabilization measures, while dismissing critics as lacking a clear agenda. He has maintained that the opposition is driven by rhetoric rather than workable solutions for the country.
But leaders aligned to the emerging opposition coalition, including Gachagua’s United Alternative Government, argue that the Kenya Kwanza administration has failed Kenyans. They accuse it of presiding over widespread corruption, undermining institutions, and abusing human rights.
Opposition figures further claim that ordinary citizens are being denied essential services in public offices, alleging inefficiencies, discrimination, and politicization within government systems. These accusations have become central to their messaging as they seek to build public support.
“We have informed the people about the current happenings and shared our alternative solutions,” Gachagua said during the Kitui meeting. “We are committed to restoring integrity and working tirelessly to build a better future for our country.”
The escalating exchange underscores a deepening political divide, with both camps seeking to shape public perception ahead of future electoral contests. Analysts say the battle between the government’s claims of delivery and the opposition’s accusations of corruption and rights abuses is likely to dominate Kenya’s political discourse in the coming months.
