Ruto Mocks Gachagua as 'Mr Texas' and 'Mr Chuki' During Gusii Development Tour

President William Ruto has declared that his generation of politicians will exit the stage in 2032, using his development tour of the Gusii region to fire a fresh volley of attacks against his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Addressing a public gathering in Bonchari, Kisii County, President Ruto challenged Mr Gachagua to stop targeting emerging leaders allied to the administration. He named National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and UDA National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi as young leaders currently under attack from the former Deputy President.

"Leave the young leaders of Kenya alone," President Ruto said. "Me and others like him will leave in 2032. I will gather them together so we leave the stage for these young leaders to continue building our nation."

The President compared Mr Gachagua to the biblical King Herod, accusing him of attempting to suppress the political growth of rising figures. He also took aim at his former deputy's past statements about moving to Texas during political turmoil, referring to him as "Mr Texas" and "Mr Chuki," and calling him a "one-term MP" and a "political failure" who cannot not teach him politics.

The sharp exchange comes as political alignments sharpen ahead of the 2027 General Election. Mr Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has recently clashed with Gusii politicians over his remarks regarding former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and local leadership. He has accused the Ruto administration of relying on promises rather than delivering genuine development.

During stops across Nyamira and Kisii counties, President Ruto directly addressed several allegations raised by his former deputy regarding key government initiatives and public assets. He denied claims that the government had sold the Bomas of Kenya to a Turkish investor, confirming it remains state property and announcing a government meeting at the venue in January. 

He also dismissed warnings that the Social Health Authority (SHA) would collapse within six months, stating that 33.5 million Kenyans have registered and Sh190 billion has gone to health facilities nationwide, including Sh8.7 billion to hospitals in Kisii County.

Additionally, the President affirmed that construction on the Rironi-Mau Summit highway is progressing and announced that a new modern market at Gikomba would open within two months, denying that the land had been sold.

Speaking in Kitutu Masaba and Bomachoge, President Ruto also dismissed Mr Gachagua’s repeated assertion that he was the kingmaker behind the 2022 presidential victory. The President revealed that Mr Gachagua secured only four votes from Mt Kenya MPs during the UDA running mate selection process, noting he personally intervened to convince lawmakers to accept him out of a belief that he was mature.

"He has been going around claiming he made Ruto President. Kisii residents, did you not see me stand here seeking votes?" President Ruto asked. "A one-term Member of Parliament claiming he made me President? I have been elected seven times; you have been elected just once!"

The President also accused Mr Gachagua of extorting businesspeople and political aspirants seeking tickets under his new party. He alleged that the former deputy used his previous campaign against illicit brews to harass local traders.

"Everyone who comes to you must pay money," President Ruto alleged. "You have troubled businesspeople; they have no peace. Aspirants too have no peace, and citizens have no peace because of you. Please shut up!"

Mr Gachagua has consistently rejected these integrity allegations. He previously argued that if his politics were driven by money, he would have accepted an alleged Sh2 billion government offer to resign quietly before his impeachment. According to the former deputy president, the funds were offered to finance his personal businesses, secure his protection, and prepare him for future political moves.

Addressing agricultural concerns in the region, President Ruto announced a Sh3.7 billion allocation to modernise tea factories and boost productivity across Gusii and the Rift Valley. The move addresses long-standing complaints raised by Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) regarding lower bonus payouts for farmers in the West Rift compared to their counterparts in the East Rift.

Throughout the two-day tour, the President launched and inspected several infrastructure projects. These included the Riamoni-Esani-Machururiati-Nyangori Road, the 22-kilometre Kenyoro SDA-Riana Market-Kerina road, Ogembo Town Road, the Manga and Ogembo Affordable Housing Projects, the Tongeri Industrial Park, and several Last Mile Electricity Connectivity sites.