Why Gachagua is testing Ruto’s limits and getting away with it easily
By David Nthua, July 25, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is not just speaking out of anger. He knows exactly what he is doing. He is using the same tricks that President William Ruto used when he was Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua has studied Ruto closely, and now he is using the same style to challenge him.
The President now looks alone in a fight he cannot win by himself.
Gachagua is using Ruto’s old playbook
Between 2018 and 2022, Ruto was on the outside even though he was inside the government. He used that time to attack Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership. Ruto spoke about high food prices, taxes and how the government was not helping ordinary people. Many Kenyans believed him.
Gachagua saw all that. He watched how Ruto became popular by opposing his own boss. Now Gachagua is doing the same thing. For two years he has served as Deputy President and has learnt how Ruto thinks and works. He knows what makes him angry and how to take advantage of it.
Ruto is politically exposed
President Ruto looks like he is fighting this political war alone. People who should be speaking up for him are quiet. Some seem afraid to talk. Others have simply gone missing. Gachagua has taken this chance to grow his voice and influence.
If things in the country were better, Ruto would not have to worry. Even if politicians left him, the people would still support him. But life is hard for many Kenyans. Prices are high, taxes are tough and promises made in 2022 have not been met. This makes it easy for Gachagua to win sympathy.
Gachagua has little to lose
Unlike Ruto, who must protect the presidency, Gachagua is free to say anything. He is building support and testing how far he can go. Right now, no one is stopping him. And that is why he is getting away with it so easily.