Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has criticised Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks that he would relocate to the United States if President William Ruto wins the 2027 General Election.
Kuria questioned Gachagua’s commitment to Kenyans who would have to remain in the country regardless of the election outcome, arguing that not everyone has the financial ability to relocate abroad.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, November 2, Kuria said he was disturbed by Gachagua’s remarks during a television interview on Sunday evening.
“I took time to watch Rigathi Gachagua on Kiririmbi last evening. The most disturbing thing is for a leader at this level to say that he will move to his home in America if Ruto wins. What about millions of Kenyans who do not have that privilege?” Kuria posed.
Gachagua made the remarks during an interview on Inooro TV on Sunday, November 1, while discussing the 2027 political contest and the need for unity in the Mount Kenya region.
The former Deputy President said he would leave Kenya for the US if Ruto secured a second term, claiming that the opposition would face difficulties under another Ruto administration.
“Ruto will try to use our people to split the region, and if I see that happening, I know that Ruto will be re-elected. And if he is re-elected, we will be in trouble, but I won’t be here. I will be in America. I have a house there,” Gachagua said.
He further urged Mt Kenya residents to remain united, arguing that divisions in the region could give Ruto an advantage in the next election.
However, Kuria also faulted Gachagua for linking a possible opposition defeat to disunity in the Mount Kenya region.
He questioned how the opposition would bring together leaders with different political ambitions, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
“There is no unity formula that will make Kalonzo, Sifuna and Matiang’i work together. And Riggy G should stop guilt-tripping Kikuyus for that. It is not our fault,” Kuria added.
The criticism comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to agree on a common political strategy and presidential candidate ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
The opposition has been holding consultations involving Gachagua, Kalonzo, Sifuna, Matiang’i and other political figures, with competing political interests emerging as one of the challenges facing the coalition-building efforts.
Gachagua has maintained that a united opposition, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, would be necessary to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid.
His latest remarks have now drawn questions from Kuria over whether political leaders should contemplate leaving the country based on an election outcome while ordinary Kenyans have no similar option.