Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at President William Ruto in a strongly worded political statement, accusing the Head of State of dismissing the intelligence of his critics and promising that voters will respond at the ballot in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement made during a public engagement in Kinamba, Naivasha Constituency, in Nakuru County on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Gachagua said Ruto has repeatedly suggested that his opponents lack intelligence and explained why some people once believed in him before becoming disillusioned.

“Ruto ati anasema sisi hatuna akili; to some extent tunaelewa ni kwa nini anasema hivyo. Ni kwa sababu sisi vile alifanya kiambaa, lakini vile alikuja na Biblia na akasema ameokoka tukamwamini,” Gachagua said.

He said Kenyans were also persuaded by campaign promises that later failed to meet expectations, arguing that many trusted Ruto’s message at the time.

“Alikuja tena akatudanganya ati wheelbarrow inaeza tufikisha mahali sisi tunaenda, tukakubali ndiosasa anasema hatuna akili,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua further criticised recent government messaging and claimed Kenyans would respond politically, not through words but through the vote.

“Juzi anasema tunaenda Singapore; ati anasema hatuna akili,” Gachagua said.

He pointed to the next general election as the moment when citizens will demonstrate their decision and judgement.

“Utajua sisi tuko na akili tarehe 10/8/2027,” he stated.

Gachagua then addressed the President, saying the verdict will come when ballots are counted.

“William Ruto, tunataka kukuambia tuko na akili, na utajua kura ikihesabiwa,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua expressed frustration, saying that promises made during past campaigns have not translated into meaningful change for ordinary citizens.