Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto, urging him to be cautious with his remarks regarding the late Raila Odinga. Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, November 3, Gachagua said Ruto’s “celebratory” tone over Raila’s death was misguided and disrespectful to the will of the people.
“I have heard William Ruto bragging and celebrating that with the demise of Raila Odinga, he has no opponent,” Gachagua stated. “But I would like to inform him that his real opponents are not individuals his opponents are the people of Kenya.”
Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), reiterated that the opposition remains united and committed to fulfilling the wishes of Kenyans. He emphasized that the emerging coalition dubbed the United Opposition is working on a structured formula to select a single presidential candidate to face Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“We want to assure the people of Kenya that we are determined to select a single presidential candidate. That person will carry the people’s mandate,” Gachagua affirmed.
His remarks came in response to President Ruto’s recent comments in Kakamega, where he suggested that Raila was the only leader capable of challenging him in 2027. Ruto confidently claimed that other potential contenders posed no real threat, adding that he expected an easy victory “very early in the morning” on election day.
However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed Ruto’s assertions, saying the party remains a powerful political force despite Raila’s absence. “The young lion is still a lion. They will be shocked,” Sifuna remarked.
As political temperatures rise, Gachagua’s bold stance signals renewed opposition unity and a brewing showdown ahead of the 2027 polls.
