Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at President William Ruto following his recent remarks that with the departure of Raila Odinga from active politics, he has no remaining political challenger.
Speaking on Monday, November 3, Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s claims, warning that the president’s real challenge comes not from politicians but from the citizens dissatisfied with his leadership.
"I have heard William Ruto bragging that with the demise of Raila Odinga, he has no opponent. I would like to inform him that we are not his opponents; his opponents are the people of Kenya," he said.
Speaking in Malava on Thursday, October 30, Ruto dismissed the current opposition as lacking a credible agenda, declaring that his only worthy competitor was Raila.
He took a swipe at opposition leaders, claiming they have no vision for the country and are instead focusing on divisive politics.
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"Let me ask you, Malava people, when you look at me like this, are those people the only ones I'm competing with? My only worthy competitor was Raila Odinga. I will finish these ones in the morning," he said.
Ruto accused the opposition of fueling tribalism, spreading hate, and causing chaos without presenting any substantive development agenda for Kenyans.
"And not for no reason. It's because they have no agenda, no plan. They are just fueling tribalism, hate, bringing about chaos and losses," he stated.
As such, Ruto urged Kenyans to focus on development matters rather than premature political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"Let's plan about the roads, education, employment, health and the rest, then we meet at 2027," he further said.
Meanwhile, this comes a day after Gachagua revealed the two things he admired from Raila.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, during the Ngemi ya Watho Festival in Murang’a County, Gachagua said he admires the former prime minister for building a strong party.
The DCP leader noted that Raila has been able to negotiate with every government because the ODM Party is strong.
"As we mourn Raila Odinga, I must admit I admire two things about that old man, and I am really touched by his leadership.
"Look at the political party that he built called ODM, a strong political party that, though he has never been elected president, he was able to get into every government and get what he wants because he has a strong political party," he stated.
Gachagua also said he admires Raila for ensuring that most lawmakers in the ODM party are lawyers, adding that ODM legislators have protected the late Raila in his political journey.
"Most importantly, in his political party, all legislators are top-notch lawyers; these are the people who have protected Raila Odinga for thirty years.
"Look at Raila’s team; there is James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang, Otiende Amolo, Peter Kaluma, Edwin Sifuna, Stewart Madzayo, Millie Odhiambo, Beatrice Oyomo, Tom Ojienda, Okongo Omogeni, and Babu Owino, great minds, then you are giving me the likes of Kawanjiko and Wamatinga," he added.
