Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has accused President William Ruto of plotting to cling to power through questionable means ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, June 17, 2025, Gakuya claimed that the Head of State is more concerned with re-election than upholding the Constitution.

“The words from a sitting president are very witty; these are indicators that Ruto, in his might, wants to rig himself to stay in power, and all he means is that the constitution does not matter. This is directly telling Kenyans that I will not respect the will of the people,” Gakuya said.

His remarks come amid rising political temperatures and an ongoing fallout between Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024.

Ruto on handing over power

In a recent statement made by Ruto on June 15, 2025, he vowed not to hand over power to the opposition, claiming they have no plan for the country’s progress beyond promoting tribalism.

Speaking in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, during a church service at Kivaywa Primary School, Ruto questioned the opposition’s intentions, saying they lack a clear agenda for Kenyans.

“These other people (opposition) have no plan, don’t waste time on them. We will not hand over power to people who have no plan,” Ruto said.

His remarks have since sparked fierce criticism from political opponents and civil society groups.

Gakuya revealed that the president has been persistently calling Gachagua in what appears to be a desperate attempt to mend fences, efforts that have so far been ignored.

“Gachagua said his former boss made endless calls, but he ignored them,” the MP stated, further exposing the widening cracks in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Gakuya implied that Ruto’s attempts to reach out to Gachagua are part of a wider strategy to undercut the former deputy president’s growing influence.

“He fears what Gachagua represents, especially in Mt. Kenya,” Gakuya said.

“This constitution is to be respected by all citizens, including Ruto. He is just a custodian of five years since he took an oath to protect it. We cannot allow Ruto to use Banana Republic to rise to power,” he added.

With less than two years to the next general election, the deepening rift between Ruto and Gachagua signals a turbulent political season ahead. The battle lines are being drawn early, with regional kingpins positioning themselves and former allies now trading accusations in the public arena, he said.