President Ruto Criticizes Gachagua for ‘Premature Campaigning’ Ahead of 2027 Polls

Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto on Thursday issued a pointed warning to political leaders, including his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, cautioning against what he described as early and divisive politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a candid interview with a local radio station, President Ruto criticized the “toxic slogans” and growing political activity surrounding the recent launch of the Democracy for Citizens Party, which Gachagua is widely believed to be spearheading. The President insisted that Kenya’s leaders must focus on governance and development, rather than engaging in electoral maneuvering more than two years before the polls.

“It is not the time to play games with politics,” Ruto stated. “Kenyans expect us to deliver services, build the economy, and foster unity — not to distract the country with premature election campaigns.”

While Ruto did not mention Gachagua by name, the remarks come just days after the former deputy president unveiled the new party, igniting political speculation and exposing widening rifts within the ruling coalition.

The President’s rebuke signals a broader concern within the Kenya Kwanza administration about potential fragmentation, as several allies have recently begun posturing for 2027. Ruto reiterated that national development and public service delivery must remain the government’s core priorities, especially amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.

Observers see Ruto’s remarks as an attempt to rein in internal dissent and reassert control over the political narrative as he enters the mid-point of his first term in office.