Wantam: Gachagua Denies Claims That Opposition Aims to Overthrow Ruto’s Govt But Instead Humiliate Him via the Ballot in 2027

Former Deputy President clarifies movement’s democratic intentions as political tensions escalate

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has categorically denied allegations that the ‘Wantam’ movement seeks to unconstitutionally remove President William Ruto from power, insisting instead that their objective is to defeat him through democratic means in the 2027 elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Gachagua sought to clarify the movement’s intentions following President Ruto’s earlier accusations that unnamed political actors were sponsoring chaos and promoting unconstitutional means of removing him from office.

“Nobody wants to overthrow you. We want to remove you from power through the ballot in 2027,” Gachagua stated, addressing the President directly. “We want to humiliate you at the ballot in 2027.”

The former Deputy President emphasized that the ‘Wantam’ movement is rooted in democratic ideals rather than political sabotage, urging Generation Z youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 elections to participate in the democratic process.

Gachagua’s remarks came hours after President Ruto, speaking during the launch of an affordable housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi, vowed to use “any means possible” to ensure stability and warned of harsh consequences for those attempting to destabilize his government through unconstitutional methods.

“I hear they say they want to use unconstitutional methods to remove me from office before 2027. I want to dare them; they will see the full force of the law,” Ruto had declared earlier.

The President’s comments appeared to be directed at his estranged former deputy, whose “one-term presidency” mantra has gained traction among sections of the political class and contributed to growing tensions between the two former allies.

In response to Ruto’s combative stance, Gachagua adopted a conciliatory yet firm tone, advising the President to address the root causes of public discontent rather than displaying anger.

“To President Ruto, I say this with a lot of humility: please stop being angry, the people of Kenya are far angrier than you are,” Gachagua said. “If you truly want this to end, then restore the dignity of the payslip.”

The former Deputy President outlined specific demands for the government, including the restoration of the middle class’s purchasing power, cessation of abductions and extrajudicial killings, and the disbandment of what he termed “the killer squad.”

“When the middle class can breathe, they will create jobs for our young people. Stop the abductions, stop the extra-judicial killings. And if you want this to end, disband the killer squad,” he stated.

Gachagua attributed the current political tensions to what he described as the President’s “betrayal and deception” of the Mt. Kenya bloc, suggesting this had led to the apparent fallout between Ruto and his former stronghold region.

The exchange between the two leaders highlights the deepening political divisions within Kenya Kwanza and the broader political landscape as the country grapples with ongoing protests and public discontent over government policies.

While Ruto maintains that his government will not be removed through unconstitutional means and has called on opponents to wait for the 2027 elections, Gachagua’s faction appears to be positioning itself as a democratic opposition force focused on electoral victory rather than regime change through illegal channels.

The ‘Wantam’ movement’s emphasis on democratic participation and voter registration suggests a strategy aimed at mobilizing grassroots support for the 2027 elections, potentially reshaping Kenya’s political landscape in the coming years.

As both leaders stake out their positions, the political temperature in Kenya continues to rise, with the 2027 elections already emerging as a focal point for the country’s political future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​