Gachagua to Ruto: ‘Kenya is not Uganda or Tanzania’ as he warns against election disruption

Nairobi, Kenya - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned President William Ruto to refrain from undermining Kenya's democratic processes, asserting that the 2027 General Election must proceed as per the constitutional schedule. During a consultative meeting with Laikipia County Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants, Gachagua emphasized that Kenyans would not tolerate any use of violence, gangs, or political instability as justifications to postpone the election, emphasizing that Ruto must ultimately face the voters.

He stated, "Kenya is not Uganda. Kenya is not Tanzania. This is a democratic country, and Kenyans will not allow you to practise impunity and attempt to subvert the will of the people." Gachagua accused the incumbent administration of creating conditions that could justify delaying the 2027 election, alleging that political violence and gang activities could be exploited to justify extending the government's tenure.

He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to demonstrate their readiness for the 2027 polls and engage opposition parties in the preparations. Gachagua insisted that the fight against Ruto would be fought through constitutional and electoral means, not violence, and called on his supporters in the Mt Kenya region to persuade voters to reject Ruto politically by not serving as his campaign or election agents.