Rigathi Gachagua’s surprising involvement in perhaps assuring President William Ruto’s Re-election in 2027 is one of the most ironic turns in Kenyan politics.
Gachagua, William Ruto’s ousted deputy and now his most vocal adversary, appears to be causing more harm to the opposition than the dictatorship he claims to fight.
Gachagua had a short outpouring of popular sympathy after his impeachment. Many considered him a political victim who was unfairly targeted.
Rather than capitalize on that momentum, he has slowly undermined his credibility by inflammatory rhetoric, tribal posturing, and conspiracy-laden remarks. His iconic warning that violence in 2027 may transcend the horrors of 2007-2008 “like a Christmas party” startled the nation while also undermining his leadership prospects in one fell sweep.
The impeached DP fails to recognize that each outburst, every grievance-laced gathering, makes Ruto appear more calm, reasonable, and presidential in comparison.
In a society where political stability is valued, his antics provide the ideal contrast for an obligatory presenting himself as the lesser evil.
Notably, Gachagua’s unrelenting attention on Mount Kenya issues shatters an already frail opposition. Instead of uniting disparate areas under a common message, his ethnic-focused policies alienate important swing votes. Kenya’s demographics no longer support tribal kingpins; triumph requires cross-ethnic appeal, which Gachagua sadly lacks.
The setback is that legitimate issues against Ruto’s administration, economic hardship, corruption, and youth disillusionment risk being drowned out by Gachagua’s clamor.
Unless the opposition neutralizes his destabilizing impact and creates a convincing, inclusive alternative, Gachagua may be remembered as the guy who unintentionally re-elected the president who drove him out.
