Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of “celebrating” the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Gachagua said Ruto’s recent remarks were insensitive and disrespectful, calling on him to watch his words, especially at a time when the nation is mourning one of its most iconic leaders.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, November 3, Gachagua said that President Ruto should understand that his real political challenge is not with individuals but with the people of Kenya as a whole.
He warned that dismissing the opposition or making careless comments about Raila’s death would only widen the gap between the government and the citizens.
“I have heard William Ruto boasting and celebrating that, with the death of Raila Odinga, he no longer has a strong opponent. But let me tell him, the opposition is not his enemy — his true opponents are the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said firmly.
He continued, “We are not going anywhere. We are only doing what Kenyans have asked us to do — to unite the country, restore its dignity, and protect the will of the people.
So, even if Ruto feels relieved or happy about Raila’s passing, he should know that he is up against the citizens of this country, not a single individual.”
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), also revealed that the United Opposition coalition is in the process of developing a strong and well-structured formula to choose one joint presidential candidate to face President Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
He explained that this approach mirrors the strategy they are using to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections across the nation.
“We want to assure Kenyans that we are fully committed to their wishes. We will carefully select one presidential candidate who represents the aspirations of the people.
This will not be a personal project; it will be a collective decision driven by the voice of ordinary citizens,” Gachagua said confidently.
His statement came just days after President Ruto sparked controversy with remarks made during a public address in Kakamega on Thursday, October 30.
The President claimed that the late Raila Odinga was the only politician who could have posed a serious challenge to his re-election bid in 2027.
According to Ruto, none of the current political figures eyeing the presidency were capable of matching his influence or political strategy. He insisted that he was confident of securing victory early on election day.
“The only person who could have truly shaken me in 2027 was Raila Odinga,” Ruto stated. “The rest of those pretending to be competitors have no clear plans for this country. I will defeat them very early in the morning,” he added, dismissing other contenders as weak and unprepared.
However, Ruto’s remarks have been widely criticized as insensitive and arrogant, especially coming so soon after Raila’s passing. Many Kenyans, including members of the opposition, have accused him of lacking empathy and humility.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was among those who responded strongly to the President’s comments. Sifuna assured supporters that despite Raila’s absence, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains strong, united, and ready to continue the late leader’s legacy.
“I have heard people saying that only Raila could have challenged them in the 2027 elections,” Sifuna said. “But let me remind them — the young lion is still a lion. ODM is alive, organized, and ready to face Ruto head-on. They will be surprised when they see the power of our movement,” he added.
Sifuna’s remarks echoed the growing confidence within the opposition that Raila’s death would not weaken their political strength. Instead, they view it as a rallying point for unity and renewal across the opposition camp.
Meanwhile, Gachagua emphasized that Kenya is entering a critical political season where leaders must prioritize unity, respect, and development over divisive politics.
He called on President Ruto to lead by example, saying that leadership is not about arrogance or personal triumphs but about serving the will of the people.
“As leaders, we must show maturity and compassion, especially when our nation is grieving. Celebrating the death of a political rival is not only inhumane but also dangerous for our democracy. We must remember that leadership is temporary, but the people’s power is permanent,” Gachagua concluded.
His remarks have further deepened the ongoing political debate over the country’s direction after Raila Odinga’s passing, setting the stage for what promises to be a tense and highly competitive race toward the 2027 General Elections.
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