That's just wishful thinking, Gachagua mocks Ruto's 'must-win' 2027 claim

Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has publicly mocked President William Ruto’s assertion that his coalition “must win” the 2027 general election, dismissing the claim as “wishful thinking.” The remark came during a political rally in Nakuru County, where Gachagua addressed supporters while touring areas such as Free Area and Kanu House in Nakuru Town East. His comments followed reports that his motorcade had been attacked in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West, an incident DCP described as an attempted assassination. While the party released video footage of the alleged attack, it did not provide specific details about how the incident unfolded. During the rally, Gachagua condemned the violence, stating that political aggression would not reverse the declining support of his party’s opponents. He called the actions of those responsible “shameful,” accusing them of organizing “goons” to disrupt peaceful gatherings. Turning to Ruto’s recent claims, Gachagua pointed to the president’s insistence at a Naivasha retreat that his UDA-ODM coalition must secure victory in 2027. He argued that this assertion lacked credibility, given the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election, which saw the UDA candidate lose the Nyandarua constituency by a margin similar to that of DCP’s Sammy Waweru Ngotho in July. “Whenever William Ruto says it is a must, that is just wishful thinking,” Gachagua stated. He added that Ruto’s allies had forecasted an 80 percent win in Ol Kalou, yet the UDA candidate lost the seat. “He must persuade the people of Kenya that they can trust him, that they can believe him. But he has lied to the people of Kenya. Nobody trusts him anymore.” This is not the first time Gachagua has criticized Ruto. Since his impeachment in October 2024, DCP has attributed several incidents of violence to state-backed actors, including a stoning incident against his campaign truck in Gilgil earlier this year and clashes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in August 2025. Gachagua has consistently accused security agencies of orchestrating these attacks, a claim the government has categorically denied. The Kaptembwa incident marks another escalation in tensions between Ruto’s administration and Gachagua’s party. The attack occurred shortly after DCP released its video evidence, which depicted the moment Gachagua allegedly escaped a gunshot. While the footage appears to show a confrontation, the exact nature of the incident remains unclear. DCP has not disclosed whether law enforcement has investigated the event or taken action against those responsible. Meanwhile, the Senate has raised legal concerns over the handling of Gachagua’s impeachment case, challenging the validity of a Sh50 million compensation award issued to the former vice-president. The Senate’s intervention highlights ongoing disputes over the legality of procedures used during the impeachment process, which began in October 2024. These legal battles underscore the broader political polarization in Kenya, with key figures from opposing factions engaging in increasingly public confrontations. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the rhetoric between Ruto and Gachagua continues to intensify. With both sides accusing each other of dishonesty and manipulation, the political landscape grows more volatile. The coming months will likely see further escalations, as each party seeks to consolidate support ahead of the anticipated contest. For now, the focus remains on the unfolding conflict, with Gachagua’s dismissal of Ruto’s claims serving as a clear signal of deepening divisions.