Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, held a heated public rally in Kimana town, Kajiado South, where he launched sharp criticism against President William Ruto.

Gachagua reacted to Ruto’s concern over low voter registration in his Rift Valley stronghold, where the president had said millions of eligible voters had not registered despite holding national identity cards. Ruto had urged residents to register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that low turnout in his base could affect his re-election plans.

In Kajiado, Gachagua dismissed the appeal and used strong language to attack the president’s political influence. He claimed the president had lost support across several regions.

He said Ruto was struggling politically and had been rejected by different communities.

“Huyu Kasongo hana bahati; amerudi pale kwao, mambo yameharibika, kimeumana, amerudi pale Bomet kwa wakale, analia, ‘Ooo watu ya nyumbani, tafadhali msiniwache,'” Gachagua said. He claimed that even the president’s home region had grown reluctant to support him.

“Wakenya wote wameniwacha. Watu ya nyumbani, tafadhali namuomba, munikumbuke, oo kwanini hamchukui kura, nitachaguliwa na nani? Kasongo analia machozi,” he added.

Gachagua added that communities across the country had raised concerns about development promises that, in his view, had not been fulfilled. He said some voters felt neglected and only saw leaders returning during campaign periods.

“Wakale wamemwangalia, wamemwambia hata sisi tunatafuta mtu wa kuangalia mambo yetu; ulituwacha, ulitusahau, hakuna barabara, hakuna maji, hakuna chochote. Tunakuonaga huko kwa wajaluo, wewe rudi huko ukatafute kura. Tunakuonaga mlimani, bora unakuja hapa kulia.”

“Sasa huyu Kasongo amekataliwa kila pahali; jamii ya Maa wamemkataa kwa sababu ya kuiba mashamba ya Wamaa. Pale Mlimani amekataliwa, pale Kisii amekataliwa, kwa Waluhya amekataliwa, kwa Mijikenda amekataliwa, Kanairo amekataliwa; amebaki kwenda nyumbani.”

“Nyumbani pia watu wamemwambia, ‘Sisi hatuna haja na wewe; hakuna kazi umefanya. Kazi yako ni kuzurura na kudanganya Wakenya na kudanganya sisi. Kasongo amekwama.”

Battlelines drawn

He also claimed that Ruto was trying to rebuild political support in Mount Kenya through language and cultural appeals. He claimed that the president had been coached to use Kikuyu phrases during recent visits to the region.

“Alikuwa anadanganya watu kwa Kikuyu zamani,” Gachagua said, referring to earlier campaigns. He added that Ruto was again using rehearsed phrases during recent trips to Murang’a, suggesting that residents were no longer easily convinced.

Gachagua argued that voters in Mount Kenya had already made up their minds. He said they had seen past promises and now demanded accountability instead of speeches or political gestures. He insisted that residents were focused on development, not ethnic or religious appeals.

Gachagua has also repeatedly criticised what he describes as the relaunching of projects, claiming that some government initiatives were presented as new even though they had already been launched earlier.

The remarks come at a time when both leaders are increasing their political activity ahead of the 2027 general election. Ruto has been touring different regions, including his Rift Valley base, where he has urged residents to register as voters in large numbers. He has also defended his development record, saying his government has made progress despite criticism.

During a recent public address, Ruto said he was under pressure to seek support across the country while voter registration in his stronghold remained low. He urged residents to take part in the electoral process, warning that poor participation could weaken his political position.

National leaders supporting the president have defended his administration, pointing to ongoing development projects across the country. They have dismissed opposition criticism, saying progress is visible and measurable.