Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s allies of attempting to create divisions between him and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ahead of the President’s political engagements in the Gusii region.
Gachagua claimed that the government was planning to use his political disagreements with Matiang’i to divert attention from what he described as a lack of development achievements in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Isinya, Kajiado County, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader alleged that he had information about a meeting at State House involving several leaders from the Gusii region.
He named South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi and Kisii Governor Simba Arati among those he claimed had attended the meeting.
According to Gachagua, the leaders discussed how to approach residents during Ruto’s visit, alleging that they had little development progress to present to the electorate.
He further claimed that the meeting focused on portraying him as an opponent of Matiang’i, with the aim of turning local residents against him.
“Hapo ikulu niko na watu yangu. Ameita Wakisii, ameita Osoro, ameita Nyakundi na Gavana Arati. Wamekula hapo, wamesema tukae chini sasa tuende Kisii, vile hakuna kazi tumefanya, wacha tupange uwongo,” Gachagua claimed.
The former Deputy President’s remarks add to the political exchanges surrounding the opposition’s efforts to build alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua questions Ruto’s development record in Gusii region
Gachagua also criticised the government’s development record in the Gusii region, arguing that several promises made to residents had yet to translate into completed projects.
He cited an airport in Kisii, a cancer treatment centre and a proposed university in Nyamira as examples of projects whose progress he questioned.
The DCP leader claimed that Ruto had promised to construct an airport in Kisii but had failed to deliver on the pledge.
He also questioned the status of the cancer centre, alleging that the President had repeatedly commissioned the project without providing the expected results.
On the proposed university in Nyamira, Gachagua maintained that the project had not materialised as promised.
He further highlighted poor road infrastructure, water shortages, inadequate electricity connections and insufficient sewage systems as challenges facing residents.
“There is nothing William Ruto has done for the Gusii nation,” he said.
Gachagua also accused the President of taking credit for projects funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and county governments.
“Sasa ameenda kufungua project ya CDF ya wabunge na project ya county,” he stated.
He questioned why the President was launching projects funded through other levels of government instead of highlighting development initiatives directly financed by the national government.
Gachagua revisits Ruto’s remarks about Kalonzo and Matiang’i
The former Deputy President also accused Ruto of adopting different political positions when addressing different communities.
He claimed that the President criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka when speaking to other audiences but portrayed him as a political ally whenever he visited the Ukambani region.
Gachagua alleged that Ruto had adopted a similar approach towards Matiang’i, questioning why local leaders were being encouraged to defend the former Interior CS against him.
He referred to the nickname “Mr River Yala”, which he attributed to previous remarks by Ruto about Matiang’i.
“Kama mnataka kutetea Matiang’i kutoka kwa Riggy G na wengine, si kwanza mtetee yeye kutoka kwa Kasongo, ambaye alikuwa anamfanya body shaming na kusema yeye ni Mr River Yala?” Gachagua posed.
He challenged Gusii leaders to question the President over his previous remarks about Matiang’i rather than concentrating on disagreements between the former Interior CS and himself.
The comments come amid growing discussions within opposition circles about coalition-building, political cooperation and the selection of a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Matiang’i has previously called for inclusive consultations in any opposition coalition arrangement, emphasising the importance of involving different political leaders in negotiations.
Gachagua alleges KSh300 million set aside for Kisii meetings
Gachagua further alleged that KSh300 million had been allocated for activities surrounding Ruto’s visit to the Gusii region.
He claimed that the money would be used to mobilise residents to attend political gatherings and accused organisers of planning to deduct part of the funds intended for participants.
The DCP leader alleged that MPs had been allocated KSh2,000 per person but warned that residents might receive only KSh200 after deductions.
“Because hawa wabunge wamempea Kasongo budget ya 2,000 per person, lakini ni wakora. Watapunguza hiyo pesa wampatie mia mbili,” he claimed.
He urged residents to demand the money allegedly set aside for them before attending the President’s political meetings.
“I have confirmed that the budget has been approved. KSh300 million is heading to Kisii in bags,” Gachagua alleged.
However, the claims about the alleged State House meeting, the KSh300 million allocation and payments to residents were not independently established in the remarks provided.
Gachagua’s accusations have added another layer to the political contest in the Gusii region, with questions over development promises and opposition unity likely to feature prominently as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
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