Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has thrown down the gauntlet to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, challenging him to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election if he believes he commands as much influence as President William Ruto.
Speaking at a campaign event in Mbeere North on Thursday, where he was rallying support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Ruku — a vocal critic of Gachagua — said the former DP must prove his political relevance in Mt Kenya by directly competing with UDA in the by-election.
“If you want to know Mt Kenya people are not with you, bring your DCP party candidate here and let’s see who’s stronger. We’re waiting for you,” Ruku declared in Swahili.
Gachagua, who recently declared his intention to run for president in 2027, was urged by Ruku to first measure his political strength on home turf before embarking on a national campaign trail.
“Before you run for president, come and weigh yourself in Mbeere North. You’ll discover your real political weight — which is nothing. We’ll face off here, defeat you, and send you packing early in the morning,” Ruku said bluntly.
He further warned Gachagua against comparing himself to President Ruto, stating that the Head of State doesn’t need to personally campaign in the constituency because his team is on the ground — unlike Gachagua, who has been actively campaigning for his Democratic Congress Party (DCP).
“You’ll never see President Ruto coming here to campaign for a UDA candidate. That’s our job. We’re here to face you and ensure you go home empty-handed,” he added.
The fiery remarks come just days after the DCP withdrew its candidate from the Mbeere North race following a political deal with the Democratic Party (DP), which holds a strong base in the region.
Ruku, who previously held the parliamentary seat before his cabinet appointment, had been elected under the DP banner.
In a move aimed at consolidating opposition votes, DCP and DP agreed to back a single candidate.
The former DCP aspirant has since defected to Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) to remain in the race under a new party.
The by-election has quickly become a political litmus test in Mt Kenya, with allegiances shifting and power dynamics taking center stage — as factions within the ruling coalition vie for dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.
