Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto following accusations that he extorts money from politicians seeking elective positions under his party.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, Gachagua accused Ruto of relying on political rhetoric rather than tangible development as he prepared to tour Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He claimed the President was merely memorising the names of villages and roads in the region to win over residents, despite allegedly failing to deliver meaningful projects during his four years in office.
Gachagua argued that communities in the two counties had yet to benefit from major improvements in infrastructure and essential services.
“Yesterday, I called you out for going to cheat my cousins in the Gusii Nation. Even tomorrow, I know the lies you are going to spread. The only thing you are doing is an old script of memorising names of villages and roads in Kisii and Nyamira. This is an old tired script you used in 2022. What a horrible playbook,” he said.
He went on to accuse the government of failing to provide roads, water, electricity and an airport, claiming that residents had instead been offered promises and handouts.
Gachagua also cautioned Ruto against allegedly targeting DCP aspirants, referring to a past political dispute involving the President and the family of his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
“Leave DCP aspirants alone, or you will get another egg in the face, just like when you tried to con the widow and children of my late brother, Governor Gachagua,” he added.
Gachagua promises fierce 2027 campaign
The former Deputy President also warned that Ruto should brace himself for an aggressive political contest ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
He described his recent political activities in Ol Kalou as a preview of the campaign strategy he intends to deploy against the President.
Gachagua said he was preparing a much bigger political offensive, which he promised would be swift and uncompromising.
“I told you in advance that I would teach you real politics. The half dose I gave you in Olkalou was just a dress rehearsal. I am preparing the full dose to administer intravenously on 10th August 2027. You will not believe the lethargy. It will be cruel, fast and furious,” he stated.
He further vowed to replicate what he called the Ol Kalou political template across all 290 constituencies, accusing the government of potentially using public institutions to interfere with the 2027 electoral process.
Gachagua claimed public servants were also dissatisfied with the government, citing concerns over their salaries and access to medical services. He suggested that their discontent could influence how they vote in the next election.
“We shall apply a double Olkalou template in all 290 constituencies across the country. You will have no escape route to rig the elections, intimidate any public servant, or misuse our police service or any state agency,” he said.
Ruto accuses Gachagua of demanding money from aspirants
Gachagua’s remarks came after Ruto, while addressing residents in Kisii earlier on Monday, accused the DCP leader of extorting money from politicians seeking party tickets and opportunities to address supporters at rallies.
The President alleged that aspirants were required to provide financial incentives to secure political positions under the party.
Ruto claimed that some governors were being asked to pay between KSh10 million and KSh20 million, while other aspirants allegedly had to part with KSh50,000 to be allowed to speak at DCP rallies.
“You are the chief extortionist. You were impeached because of it, and now you are frustrating businessmen and aspirants in your party,” Ruto said.
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The President also dismissed Gachagua’s claims that residents of Kisii and Nyamira were being paid to attend his rallies during his tour of the Abagusii region.
He challenged the former Deputy President to respect the residents’ right to associate freely, insisting that the crowds attending his meetings were not being paid.
Ruto also took issue with Gachagua’s suggestion that he had played a decisive role in securing his presidential victory, pointing to his own electoral history.
“The people of Kisii, didn’t you see me here asking for votes? Did anyone do it for me? Now a one-term MP with a lot of pride but a small brain, claims that he made me president, somebody who has been elected into office seven times,” he said.