President William Ruto has sharply responded to his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, rejecting calls to sack Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
The Head of State speaking during a tour of Nyamira County on Monday, warned against what he described as reckless political rhetoric meant to instill fear among citizens.
“Nikiwa Rais wa Kenya, siwezi kubali mtu yeyote kutisha Wakenya wengine… hakuna mtu ako na ruhusa ya kutisha wananchi,” Ruto said.
He added that no leader would be hounded out of office through political pressure.
“Hakuna mtu tutatoa kwa ofisi na hakuna Kenya itaisha… Kenya si ya viongozi wachache, ni ya Wakenya wote.” He added.
The President’s remarks appeared to directly target Gachagua, who has in recent days demanded action against senior Interior Ministry officials, accusing them of failing in their mandate.
The push by Gachagua did not come out of nowhere. It is tied to a series of recent security and political incidents that have heightened tensions.
The former Deputy President has accused Murkomen and Omollo of being behind what he calls state-backed political violence, particularly the use of hired gangs to disrupt political gatherings.
In one of the most serious claims, Gachagua alleged that the two were involved in orchestrating chaos in Kikuyu ahead of his rally.
He claimed “goons” were deployed to block roads and attack motorists before his meeting.
He further argued that the incidents point to a wider pattern of intimidation targeting leaders who are critical of the government.
Separately, pressure has also been building from opposition figures following violent incidents, including the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Some leaders have linked the rise in such attacks to failures within the Interior Ministry and demanded accountability.
“Those who attacked Osotsi are… Omollo’s boys,” Wiper Patriotic Front leader claimed while calling for his removal.
Gachagua has echoed similar sentiments, framing the issue as both a security failure and political persecution.
The standoff reflects the deepening fallout between Ruto and Gachagua following the latter’s impeachment in 2024.
Since then, Gachagua has repositioned himself as a fierce critic of the administration and is widely seen as laying ground for a 2027 presidential run.
His recent statements have not only targeted security officials but have also touched on sensitive issues, including alleged corruption scandals and misuse of state institutions, further escalating tensions.
Even as the political war of words intensifies, Ruto used the Nyamira visit to highlight development projects, pledging billions in investments.
The President said the government will spend about Sh15 billion on affordable housing, markets and student hostels in the county. He also announced Sh900 million for a stadium and Sh1 billion for the upgrade of Nyamira County Referral Hospital.
