Former Deputy President and current Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua openly criticised his former ally, President William Ruto, during a political rally in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Gachagua addressed the crowd with a direct message to the president, saying that although Ruto claims to have the political card, it is a red card signalling his exit from State House in the 2027 general election.

“Nimeona Kasongo akijaribu kuhijack hiyo slogan ya Gen Z, Niko Kadi. Kasongo, wacha nikuambie, wewe uko na kadi lakini yako ni red card. Red card ya kwenda nyumbani. Tumekupatia red card. Na red card utaenda nyumbani. Ata ukifanya nini, ata ukilete nyota, ata ulete mwezi, ama ulete jua, utakuwa one term,” Gachagua said.

He insisted that his community and the wider Mount Kenya region delivered votes that helped Ruto win the presidency in 2022.

“Nikwambie Kasongo, mimi na watu ya mlima tulikusaidia. Tukakupatia kura millioni nne ukakuwa rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya,” he said.

But, Gachagua charged, Ruto turned his back on those same supporters once in office.

“Kufika pale ukatugeuka, ukatusaliti, ukatuangaisha, ukatutukana, ukafuta watoto wetu kwazi, ukaharibu biashara zetu, ukabomolea watu wetu. Sisi tulikufanya rais wa Kenya, Sisi ndio tutakupeleka nyumbani. Asubuhi mapema,” he added.

President William Ruto had earlier declared his readiness for the 2027 general elections during his four-day development tour in Nyanza, using the slogan. Speaking to supporters, he aligned himself with the youth-led Niko Kadi campaign, which encourages first-time voters to register and participate in the upcoming polls.

“Na mimi nataka kuwaambia tuko tayari na tuko kadi kama manataka hiyo tuko kadi tayari. We are ready for you when the time comes,” Ruto said.

Funeral dispute sparks tensions

The Githunguri rally came amid a political row involving the funeral of Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa’s mother, who died at the age of 93 in early March 2026. Tensions flared after claims that some leaders allied to President Ruto attempted to disrupt preparations for the funeral.

“Huyu Karungo ni mwanaume. Juzi amepoteza mama yake. Huyu (some MPs allied to the President) wanatuma askari, ati watoe hema, ati Riggy G asikuje mazishi ya mama ya Karungo. Sasa nauliza wewe, kwani hamna utu,” Gachagua said.

He accused those leaders of showing a lack of compassion by sending police to remove tents meant for mourners.

“Senator mama yake amekufa, hamuwezi ona huruma mumwachie azike mama yake na amani, mnatuma polisi kuharibu mazishi ya mama mzee wa miaka 93,” he said. Gachagua vowed that those responsible would be held to account.

“Lakini nawaambia mtakutana na hii watu ya Githunguri pale kwa debe.”