Gachagua, Wetang’ula trade barbs as Ruto joins feud over Kenya’s image
A widening political rift has emerged between opposition leaders and the Kenya Kwanza administration, with fresh accusations and counter-accusations over Kenya’s image, governance, and personal conduct dominating the national discourse.
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims by President William Ruto that the opposition is tarnishing the country’s reputation, instead blaming the Head of State for what he described as a decline in Kenya’s standing.
Speaking during a church service at the ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, the former Deputy President accused Ruto of presiding over policies that have weakened national integrity.
He cited alleged interference by neighbouring countries such as Sudan, irregular issuance of passports to foreigners, and rising insecurity as key factors behind the country’s deteriorating image.
“These actions are what have diminished Kenya’s image, not the opposition,” Gachagua said, adding that the country had reached “its lowest point” under the current leadership.
He further criticised the government’s handling of agriculture and health, saying farmers were struggling to access fertiliser during the rainy season while hospitals faced collapse due to billions owed by the state.
He urged hospital administrators to demand upfront payments from the Social Health Authority (SHA) to sustain operations.
Gachagua also used the platform to popularise his DCP party and advance his presidential ambitions ahead of next year’s General Election, wrapping up a two-day tour of Kirinyaga County.
However, the president has hit back, escalating the standoff with a direct attack on his former deputy
Ruto said he would ensure that property allegedly taken from the family of the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua is returned.
“You can carry on with the insults, but what belongs to orphans and widows must be returned. There is no getting away with that. That hotel in Nairobi, the property in Kilifi, and other things taken from the bereaved family must be returned,” Ruto said.
He added: “I can take the insults as a man, but the widows and orphans cannot, and we will therefore defend them, even before God.”
The dispute stems from claims by the late governor’s family, led by Margaret Nyokabi Nderitu and her children, who allege that a contested will was used to disinherit them and misappropriate family assets. They have since appealed to the president for intervention.
In response, Gachagua warned Ruto against interfering in his family affairs, urging him to focus on national issues instead.
“Amesahau mambo ya Kenya anaingilia mambo ya familia ya Gachagua… Wewe William Ruto… usiingilie mambo ya familia yangu hapa milimani,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and other Kenya Kwanza leaders have criticised the opposition for what they termed as persistent and unconstructive attacks on the government.
Speaking at a church fundraiser at Kamobo Salvation Army in Kapsabet, Nandi County, Wetang’ula accused opposition figures of promoting divisive politics.
“The season for grandstanding and chest-thumping ended with the elections. It is disheartening to see leaders who should be building the nation spending all their energy preaching division and trying to incite Kenyans against a legally constituted government,” he said.
He urged critics to offer alternative policies and prioritise national unity, as other leaders defended the administration’s record, citing infrastructure development, economic stabilisation, and social programmes.
Adding his voice to the debate, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the escalating war of words between Ruto and Gachagua, terming it inappropriate for a sitting president to level serious allegations against a former running mate.
“You cannot… be elected on one ticket, then turn around years later and make damaging claims you cannot prove,” Kalonzo said in a television interview.
