Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched an attack on President William Ruto over what he described as constant international travel, arguing that it reflects a leadership style detached from the daily struggles of Kenyans.

Speaking at a United Alternative Government rally on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Bungoma, Gachagua questioned the frequency of the Head of State’s trips abroad, suggesting that too much time is being spent outside the country at the expense of domestic priorities.

“Anatembea kila siku, akitoka hapa anaingia ndege hii, anatoka hii anaingia hii,” Gachagua said.

According to Gachagua, leadership requires physical presence in the country to understand the realities faced by citizens.

“Sasa yeye amesahau ati Kenya siyo Ulaya,” Gachagua said.

He linked the criticism to broader governance concerns, saying leaders must prioritise solving domestic challenges such as the cost of living and access to healthcare rather than focusing heavily on external engagements.

Ruto defends trips

President William Ruto recently came out to defend his frequent foreign travels, saying his international engagements form part of his official duties as Head of State and are not leisure trips amid continued public scrutiny over the frequency of his overseas visits.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with Kenyans living and working in Scandinavia in Helsinki, Finland, President Ruto dismissed claims that his travel schedule is excessive or unnecessary, insisting that his role requires sustained diplomatic engagement abroad.

“I was looking at one of the headlines in the newspaper that William Ruto is travelling again. I wish they knew the kind of schedule that I have. I have not come here as a tourist or to waste time; I have come to ensure we have achieved certain things. Just for the record, I am the chief diplomat of our country. People want to know what Kenya stands for,” the president said.

He emphasised that his foreign trips are aimed at advancing Kenya’s diplomatic, trade, and investment interests, arguing that global engagement is central to his administration’s economic transformation agenda.

According to him, maintaining Kenya’s position on the international stage requires consistent high-level engagement with global partners, investors, and diaspora communities.