“Our Agenda is One: To Remove You from Power” – Gachagua Fires Back at Ruto’s ‘Planless’ Opposition Claims

Former Deputy President launches scathing response to President’s criticism, declares 2027 mission crystal clear

NAIROBI, May 31, 2025 – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has delivered a pointed rebuttal to President William Ruto’s accusations that Kenya’s opposition lacks a coherent agenda, declaring that their primary mission is unambiguously defined: removing the incumbent from office in 2027.

The sharp exchange shows the deepening political divide between the former allies, with Gachagua transforming from Ruto’s deputy to his most vocal critic following his impeachment late last year.

Speaking after a strategic meeting at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s residence, Gachagua dismissed the President’s repeated assertions that opposition leaders are focused solely on divisive politics without offering alternative solutions to Kenyans.

“The most important thing for Kenya to move forward is that Ruto must go. That is the most important thing. He keeps shouting that we have no agenda; we do have an agenda! The agenda is to remove him first,” Gachagua declared, his tone defiant and uncompromising.

The former Deputy President went further, turning the tables on his former boss, “So William Ruto, don’t dictate our agenda, sort out yours. We have an agenda, and the first is for Kenya to improve, for work to continue, and for the nation to stand tall, you must be a one-term president.”

Gachagua’s remarks came amid intensified opposition coalition-building efforts, with key political figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race.

The meeting at Musyoka’s residence signals the opposition’s attempt to present a united front against Ruto’s administration.

The opposition has indicated they will name their presidential candidate in December 2026, with Gachagua dismissing speculation about cracks within their ranks as government propaganda designed to weaken their resolve.

President William Ruto accompanied by Raila Odinga addressing residents in Kisumu.

President Ruto has remained defiant in the face of mounting opposition pressure.

Recently addressing residents in Kisumu, the President expressed confidence about beating his challengers “hands down” in 2027, dismissing concerns about the growing opposition coalition.

The President has consistently argued that opposition leaders, particularly Gachagua, are more focused on ethnic politics and personal grievances than on presenting viable alternatives to his administration’s policies.

The political dynamics have been particularly intense in the Mount Kenya region, traditionally a key battleground in Kenyan politics.

The region, which has traditionally supported Gachagua, has turned against those who voted for his impeachment, creating significant challenges for Ruto’s allies in the area.

However, the opposition faces its own challenges, with some political observers questioning their unity.

Recently, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi argued that despite his criticism, Ruto remains “a better choice” than the opposition leaders, highlighting divisions even within the broader opposition ecosystem.

The exchange between Gachagua and Ruto reflects the high stakes surrounding the 2027 general election. For Gachagua, the mission is personal – seeking political vindication after his impeachment and removal from office.

For Ruto, the challenge is maintaining power while facing a potentially unified opposition that includes his former deputy and other seasoned politicians.

Gachagua has launched his own political party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party, positioning himself as a key opposition figure with his own political base, particularly in the Mount Kenya region where he maintains significant influence despite his removal from office.

As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the political landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Gachagua’s direct challenge to Ruto’s characterization of the opposition suggests that the coming campaign period will be marked by sharp exchanges and clear ideological differences.

The former Deputy President’s straightforward declaration – that removing Ruto from power is their primary agenda – strips away any ambiguity about the opposition’s immediate political objectives.

Whether this singular focus will resonate with Kenyan voters seeking comprehensive policy alternatives remains to be seen.

The political temperature is expected to continue rising as both sides prepare for what promises to be a highly contested election cycle, with the opposition now clearly defining their mission in the most direct terms possible.