Gachagua: Ruto has destroyed Kenyan politics by turning development into an election tool
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 8, 2026Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of destroying Kenya’s political culture by using government-funded development projects as campaign tools whenever elections are held in the Mount Kenya region.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Westlands constituency leaders at his Wamunyoro residence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Gachagua noted that the government had suddenly rolled out numerous development projects in Ol Kalou constituency to influence voters to support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.
He argued that the trend had set a dangerous precedent where public resources meant to benefit all Kenyans were only being accelerated during election periods. Addressing the visitors, Gachagua urged Ol Kalou voters to accept any development projects brought to the area but reject attempts to exchange them for political support.
“Let the government and UDA campaigners give you the gas cylinder, a GoK mattress, and all that has not been delivered to Ol Kalou since 1963. But, my great people of Ol Kalou, do not give away your voting rights. Stay firm, descendants of Mau Mau!” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president further argued that Ruto’s approach would eventually trigger resentment from other parts of the country, with Kenyans beginning to question why massive government investments only appear whenever there is an election in the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua warns that other regions will question state priorities
Gachagua has observed that residents in counties outside the region could soon start asking why roads, electricity projects, water programmes and other government initiatives are rushed to constituencies in Central Kenya only during by-election campaigns, while areas without elections continue waiting for similar services.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity in Ol Kalou, where both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition have intensified campaigns ahead of the by-election slated for July 16.
The government has in recent weeks launched and announced several development initiatives in the constituency, with opposition leaders alleging the projects are intended to boost UDA’s chances at the polls.
Gachagua maintained that development is a constitutional right for all citizens and should never be used as an incentive to secure votes, insisting that voters should freely elect leaders of their choice regardless of government promises or donations made during campaign periods.