Kenya: 'Stop Using My Name to Hoodwink Gusii Voters,' Gachagua Tells Ruto

What the report says

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up criticism of President William Ruto, accusing him of overlooking the Gusii region while seeking support ahead of the 2027 general election. In remarks carried by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, Gachagua said voters in Kisii and Nyamira counties had not seen meaningful progress on roads, water, electricity or an airport despite repeated presidential visits and promises.

He argued that Ruto’s outreach to the region relied more on political messaging, local name-dropping and financial handouts than on delivered development projects. Gachagua also mocked the repeated announcements around a proposed cancer hospital, suggesting the project had been unveiled several times without progress. His comments reflect the growing competition among Kenyan politicians for influence in the Gusii vote-rich area.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party leader further warned that any attempts to interfere with his party’s candidates would carry political consequences. He also accused the government of using police and state institutions to pressure opponents, while saying public servants were unhappy over pay and access to medical care. Looking ahead to 2027, Gachagua framed the contest as a wider test of Ruto’s support and said opposition forces would mobilize across constituencies to prevent electoral abuse.