I'm Opposed to President Ruto Being Removed Unconstitutionally - Rigathi Gachagua

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has discouraged Kenyans opposed to President William Ruto's regime from using extralegal means to remove the latter from office.

Gachagua said that whilst the current regime in power is unpopular owing to its supposedly exploitative policies, the only means to remove the president is through the ballot.

Better if he chooses of his own volition to resign, Gachagua said.

However, despite being against Ruto's administration, the DCP party leader vowed not to advocate for the unconstitutional means to cut short the regime.

He observed that if Kenyans could put up with the presumably repressive regime of the late Daniel Moi, they could be patient for Ruto's first term and bar him from returning for a second one, through the ballot.

"And two years is a long time, but not too long. The people of Kenya withstood the brutality of the colonial regime for years. But God saw them through. Again, we had 24 years of the Moi repression. Again, we prevailed. Another two years of the Ruto regime will prevail. And I want to say, I have never advocated the removal of President William Ruto from office. I am a believer in the rule of law. I am a believer in the constitution," he said.

Gachagua is keen on his mission to have the president limited to only one term.

He is leading the mission from within the opposition which has assembled a host of principals, among them Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP Kenya's Eugene Wamalwa, PLP's Martha Karua, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.

However, even as the calls for his exit intensify, Ruto is playing strong.

He says he is aware of the constitution and doesn't intend to extend his term unconstitutionally.

The president, however, challenges his naysayers to present their alternative transformative agenda they got for the country.

Speaking on Friday, June 27, Ruto urged his critics to present a clear and constructive alternative, dismissing calls for his removal.

"If it is Ruto must go, then tell me how you want me to go. What do you mean by Ruto must go? Look for a better plan and convince the people of Kenya," he said.

Ruto argued that opposing his leadership must be rooted in ideas, not simply rejection, adding that those calling for his exit were not offering any meaningful solutions.

"You cannot replace a plan you don’t like with no plan. The only thing you are armed with is hate and violence and you want us to agree with you? There are very few fools in Kenya,” he added.