The gloves are off. In what political observers are calling the "Nyeri Declaration," President William Ruto has publicly dismantled the authority of his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, on his home turf. During a highly charged tour of Nyeri County yesterday, the President ridiculed Gachagua’s recent threats against government officials, dismissing him as a "boogeyman" with no real bite.

The confrontation, though veiled in idiom, was unmistakable. Responding to Gachagua’s recent outbursts against the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and claims of being undermined, Ruto told a cheering crowd, "Tafuta mtu wa kutisha" (Go find someone else to scare). The phrase, delivered with a dismissive wave, marks the definitive end of the "dynamic duo" narrative that swept them to power in 2022.

"I Know the Mountain Better"

Ruto’s strategy was clear: bypass the middleman. By engaging directly with the electorate in Nyeri—Gachagua’s supposed stronghold—the President sought to demonstrate that his support in the region is personal, not vicarious. He reminded residents of the development projects he has delivered, contrasting his record with what his allies call Gachagua’s "empty noise."

• The "Fear Factor": Gachagua has built his political brand on being the fierce defender of Mt Kenya interests, often using aggressive rhetoric to rally his base. Ruto’s dismissal strikes at the core of this brand, portraying the DP not as a strongman, but as a nuisance.
• The 2027 Calculation: Analysts argue that Ruto is actively scouting for a new running mate. By belittling Gachagua in public, he is testing the waters to see if the region will defend their "son" or side with the President. The muted response from local leaders suggests the latter is increasingly likely.

The Isolation Game

"A deputy president who cannot scare his boss is a deputy president who has lost his power," noted political analyst Herman Manyora. The President’s bold move has left Gachagua with limited options: either submit to the new pecking order or escalate his rebellion into an open opposition movement. For now, the "truthful man" has been silenced by the very power he helped install.