Gachagua: Ruto knows why I cannot work with him

Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President of Kenya, addressed the media at his residence in Wamunyoro on Monday, August 24, 2026. He responded to President William Ruto's declaration that he could work with any opposition leader except Gachagua. Gachagua expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Ruto in the 2027 general election, stating that Ruto's admission of inability to work with him was a positive sign.

He clarified that Ruto's position was not due to a lack of desire to collaborate, but because Gachagua would not be willing to accept such a partnership. Gachagua denied Ruto's previous attempts to persuade him through intermediaries and insisted that no amount of money or persuasion could change his mind. He considered the president's declaration as a boost for his prospects of being chosen as the United Opposition's presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.

Gachagua intends to continue challenging Ruto's re-election bid, advocating for the opposition to unite behind a single candidate. President Ruto's earlier comments indicated willingness to cooperate with other opposition leaders, but firmly rejected any possibility of working with Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The president accused his former deputy of promoting tribalism and inciting hatred among Kenyans.