"Who Cares If You Unite?" Ruto Mocks Opposition's 2027 Coalition Push

President William Ruto has launched his sharpest public attack yet on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of systemic extortion during his time in office and questioning his political credentials.

Speaking in Nyang’ori, Nyamira County, on Monday during a four-day development tour of the Gusii region, Ruto alleged that Gachagua used his official position to demand money from business owners and political aspirants.

Ruto claimed Gachagua demanded Sh10 million from one gubernatorial candidate and Sh20 million from another, alongside charging Sh50,000 for individuals seeking to speak at political gatherings.

"You are the chief extortionist, and you were dismissed because of extortion," Ruto said in Swahili. "You harassed business people, candidates, and citizens. Everyone who came to you had to pay."

The President also dismissed Gachagua’s ongoing claims of being the main architect of their 2022 election victory, contrasting his own record with Gachagua's single term in Parliament.

"I have been elected seven times; you were elected once," Ruto said.

Revisiting the 2022 running mate selection, Ruto revealed that Gachagua received only four votes out of 30 among leaders involved in the process, saying he ultimately chose him out of sympathy and respect for his seniority. He noted that Gachagua's subsequent disputes with colleagues led to his political isolation and impeachment in October 2024.

The President's remarks come as Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), works to consolidate opposition forces against the current administration.

During the visit, where he launched the Riamoni-Nyangori Road and Last Mile Connectivity project, Ruto also mocked recent opposition unity meetings involving Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i.

Following a weekend meeting designed to resolve public rivalries within the opposition coalition, the leaders claimed a collective backing of at least 10 million votes. Matiang’i later said on social media that the leaders would "put Kenya first" and build a team ready for the 2027 elections.

Ruto rejected the opposition's math, comparing their vote calculations to trading potatoes in bags.

"Do you think Kenyans are so gullible that you can walk around claiming to carry their votes?" Ruto asked. "Who cares whether you are united or have one candidate? Hiyo ni shauri yenu. Wananchi want to know what your plan for them."

Gachagua and Kalonzo have maintained that the opposition will field a single candidate in 2027, drawing parallels to the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) alliance that ended Kanu's 24-year rule. However, the coalition has yet to announce its flagbearer.