Kenya Kwanza leaders from Kericho and Bomet counties have increased their attacks on the United Opposition and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking in Konoin Constituency on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Bomet County, leaders from the South Rift region, led by Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, alongside Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, faulted recent remarks by Gachagua suggesting that the Kalenjin community lacks a political kingpin—comments that have since sparked debate in the region.

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot dismissed the United Opposition as lacking a clear and tangible agenda to move the country forward. He also criticised former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, claiming that his tenure was marked by atrocities and cases of extrajudicial killings.

‘ethnic and unfit for public office’

Cheruiyot further described Rigathi Gachagua as ethnic and unfit for public office.

‎“I want to tell Rigathi Gachagua, I supported the motion in the Senate to impeach you, and I would impeach you again if the motion were to return. You are unfit to serve in any position in this country,” Cheruiyot stated.

‎Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei defended ongoing Kenya Kwanza development projects in the South Rift region, including the construction of affordable housing and road infrastructure. He claimed that Gachagua did not support development initiatives in Bomet or Kericho during his time in office.

‎“He is calling himself the Kalenjin spokesperson. Let him tell the people of Bomet and Kericho how many projects he brought during the period he served in office,” said Sigei.

‎The leaders also dismissed the opposition’s campaign tours, claiming they are driven by individuals intent on undermining the country’s development progress.

This fresh round of attacks links to wider tensions in Rift Valley politics. On February 22, 2026, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi posted a video on X directly addressing Gachagua. Sudi accused him of leaking private phone disagreements to the public.

He said he had helped Gachagua rise to power but received no thanks—only false stories. The video followed Gachagua playing an alleged audio of Sudi insulting and threatening him during the same February 20 interview. Sudi warned Gachagua to stop announcing private clashes.

“My brother, that old politics has been overtaken by time… And you next time, if we clash privately on our phone, stop announcing,” Sudi said in the video.

He called Gachagua ungrateful and greedy while defending President Ruto’s leadership.