Rigathi Gachagua Moves to Challenge President Ruto's Leadership

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as a formidable challenger to President William Ruto's leadership, marking a significant realignment in the country's political landscape.

The rift between the two leaders became public when UDA formally removed Gachagua from his position as deputy party leader, following weeks of mounting tension. This move came shortly after Gachagua's bold announcement of plans to form his own political party within 14 days, signaling a clean break from the ruling coalition.

Gachagua's strategic pivot has been marked by increasingly vocal criticism of government policies, particularly targeting the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and questioning the allocation of Sh104 billion in healthcare expenditure. His criticism has found a new platform through TikTok, with a notable debut that has allowed him to connect directly with younger voters.

The Deputy President's political maneuvering has included strategic meetings with regional leaders, exemplified by his recent hosting of Kisii MCAs at his Wamunyoro residence. These moves suggest a calculated effort to build a broader political base beyond his traditional strongholds.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has been defending his development tours across the country against accusations of early campaign activities, emphasizing his focus on delivering promises rather than political positioning.

The political implications of this split have reverberated through Kenya's political establishment, with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi acknowledging the instability in Gachagua's movement while defending his own decision to merge with UDA. As Kenya watches this political drama unfold, the emergence of Gachagua's new party is expected to significantly reshape the country's political dynamics heading into the next election cycle.