Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a planned visit to President William Ruto’s Rift Valley backyard.

Speaking during an interview with Emoo FM on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader stated that while en route to Kisii for the upcoming United Opposition rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties, he will also hold meet-the-people rallies in Mulot, Bomet town, Longisa, and Sotik before heading to Ekerenyo,where the three-day United Opposition tour of the Kisii region will begin.

“Nikienda Kisii kwa ajili ya mambo ya wantam, nitapita Mulot, nipite Longisa, nipite Sotik, niendelee hadi Ekerenyo huko Kisii,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua said he has long wanted to tour the Kalenjin region but had been cautious due to fears of what might happen to him. He added that elders and bishops from the Mt Kenya region have urged him to go and meet the people of the Kalenjin region to determine whether his fallout is only with the president or with the entire community.

Situation in Rift Valley

He further stated that the Kalenjin community, despite the president hailing from their region and holding the reins of government, has largely been neglected, with no one speaking on their behalf. Gachagua emphasised that since the community overwhelmingly voted for him in 2022 as Ruto’s deputy, he feels it is his duty to stand up for them and act as their official spokesman.

“Hawa wakalenjin hawana mtetezi; wabunge wamenyamaza, masenator pia wamenyamaza, nani atatetea hao?” he posed.

Rift Valley leaders

According to him, many leaders within the Rift Valley region are more focused on praising the state than defending the interests of their community.

He claimed that while delegations from other regions frequently visit State House and receive financial handouts, no delegation from the Kalenjin community has ever been seen receiving similar support.

“Wazee na mabishop wanatala kuona kama wakelenjin wako na shida na mimi,” he added.

The Rift Valley tour by Gachagua is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, as he heads to Kisii for the United Opposition rallies.