Political tension continues to mount in Kenya after close allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua strongly opposed the emerging political truce between President William Ruto and Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga, claiming that the deal is steering the country in the wrong direction.
The criticism came just days after President Ruto and Raila Odinga appeared together in Kisumu County, where the two leaders emphasized the need for national unity and promised to work together to address key challenges affecting the nation. However, Gachagua’s allies have since dismissed the truce, calling it a political betrayal that could jeopardize the government’s development agenda and undermine the Deputy President’s influence within the administration.
Gachagua’s Allies: ‘This Is a Political Betrayal’
Several elected leaders allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, mainly from the Mt. Kenya region, have accused President Ruto of sidelining his deputy in favor of building a new political alliance with Raila Odinga. The leaders expressed disappointment, warning that the ongoing talks between Ruto and Raila could lead to political instability and derail the Kenya Kwanza administration’s initial agenda.
Speaking during a public gathering in Nyeri County, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina warned that allowing Raila Odinga to influence government decisions would alienate the people who overwhelmingly voted for Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government.
“We campaigned for this government, and we were clear that it was time to shift from the old order of politics. Now we are seeing the same Raila Odinga that we fought hard against being embraced by the same government. This is betrayal,” said Wainaina.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, another staunch Gachagua supporter, criticized the growing relationship between Ruto and Raila, calling it a “deliberate plan to sideline Gachagua.” He warned that if the President continues to warm up to Raila, it could break the unity within the ruling coalition.
“The people of Mt. Kenya voted for Ruto and Gachagua. They never voted for Raila Odinga. If the President thinks he can work with Raila and ignore his deputy, then the people who brought him to power will feel betrayed,” said Wamumbi.
Raila-Ruto Pact Raises Political Tension
The growing bromance between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga has sparked heated debate across the political divide. Many political analysts have interpreted this truce as an attempt by Ruto to neutralize opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, while others believe it is a genuine move to foster national unity.
The pact first became public when President Ruto invited Raila Odinga to Kisumu for the launch of several government development projects. During the event, the two leaders shared light moments, praised each other’s leadership, and called for unity among Kenyans. However, this unexpected closeness has now triggered sharp reactions from Gachagua’s camp, who feel that their political relevance is slowly being diminished.