President William Ruto has declared when he intends to leave the political stage alongside leaders of his generation, sending a fresh message to his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua amid their growing political rivalry.
Speaking in Bonchari Constituency, Kisii County, on Tuesday, November 10, Ruto challenged Gachagua to stop attacking young politicians, saying they should be allowed to develop their leadership skills and take up bigger responsibilities in the country.
The President named South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda and Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya among leaders he accused Gachagua of targeting.
He also mentioned Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi.
“Wachana na vijana wa Kenya. Hawa vijana viongozi hawa. Si tuko na vijana viongozi ambao wanakuwa? Hawa kina Osoro. Hawa kina Zaheer Jhanda. Hawa kina Donya,” Ruto said.
He further likened the former Deputy President to biblical King Herod, accusing him of going after emerging leaders instead of allowing them to grow politically.
“Wewe bwana Herod, ukiona vijana wadogo wanaendelea kukua unaenda kuwapiga,” he remarked.
Ruto assured the young politicians that he would stand by them, adding that leaders of his generation would eventually make way for younger Kenyans.
The Head of State said he and Gachagua, together with other senior politicians, would leave the political stage in 2032.
“Mimi na wao tutaondoka 2032. Niwaachie hawa vijana uwanja waendelee na taifa letu la Kenya,” he said.
The declaration comes as political exchanges between Ruto and Gachagua continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The two leaders, who were elected on the same ticket in 2022, fell out before Gachagua was impeached and removed from office in October 2024.
Since then, the former Deputy President has established the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and emerged as one of Ruto’s vocal critics, with their rivalry increasingly playing out through public rallies and exchanges.
Gachagua has also challenged the President over his administration’s development record and called on opposition leaders to prepare for the 2027 political contest.
Ruto’s latest remarks came during his four-day development tour of the Gusii region, where he launched road projects and announced additional government investments.
