Kenya's Political Cauldron Boils: Ruto, Gachagua, and Uhuru Lock Horns in Power Struggle

The political landscape in Kenya is witnessing heightened tensions and accusations among key leaders as the 2027 General Election draws nearer. Governor James Orengo of Siaya County has strongly criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of systematically “killing” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Orengo asserts that Ruto deliberately weakened ODM, a party traditionally known for fielding a presidential candidate in every election, by exploiting a political arrangement with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He finds it shameful that a party founded by Odinga, which once provided a national platform for the opposition, is now unlikely to present a presidential candidate, directly blaming Ruto for its decline. According to Orengo, Ruto’s actions contradict any claims of affection or respect for Odinga, questioning how one could love a person while dismantling their political legacy.

Speaking from his Kisumu home to supporters from Homa Bay and Migori counties, Orengo declared that the current state of ODM necessitates the formation of a new national political movement. This movement, he stated, would be dedicated to upholding Raila Odinga’s core ideals of constitutionalism, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Orengo accused Ruto of taking advantage of the political relationship to undermine ODM, which he described as the only truly national party founded by Odinga. He challenged President Ruto’s claims of having loved and respected Odinga, arguing that Ruto presided over the decline of the very political vehicle Odinga built for his presidential ambitions. Orengo also highlighted Ruto’s past as Odinga’s opponent in the 2017 and 2022 elections, noting the irony of Ruto now being presented to the Luo community as an ally. He insisted that Odinga’s political legacy must be preserved through a new, broad-based movement that will offer a national alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

In response to the political vacuum he perceives, Orengo announced that Linda Mwananchi, a grassroots organization, would be transformed into a political party. He emphasized that this new party would not be confined to the Luo community or the Nyanza region but would aim to be a national political force capable of challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration. The proposed party would unite Kenyans sharing similar political ideals, campaign for a president who serves the entire country, and focus on defending the Constitution, protecting the Bill of Rights, and ensuring government accountability. Orengo stressed the organic nature of Linda Mwananchi, born from the spirit of ordinary Kenyans, and committed to personally leading its national expansion, starting with Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has launched his own offensive, directing sharp criticism towards retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto accused Kenyatta of sponsoring Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Opposition figures, challenging the former president, whom he described as a billionaire, to provide adequate financial support to these politicians instead of allowing them to solicit funds from ordinary Kenyans. Ruto claimed that Opposition leaders, including Sifuna, lacked a clear political agenda and primarily relied on anti-government rhetoric to mobilize support for the 2027 elections. He contrasted his administration’s achievements, such as the revival of the sugar sector, road development, improved healthcare, and the construction of Kanduyi Stadium, with what he termed Uhuru’s failures during his tenure. Ruto confidently asserted that he would defeat his opponents in the upcoming election, citing their lack of a viable alternative policy platform. Sources indicate that Uhuru Kenyatta’s rejection of Ruto’s “Beyond Vision 2030 Plan” (also referred to as Vision 2060) was a significant trigger for the President’s public outburst against his predecessor.

The political friction also extends to the current Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who has openly lashed out at President Ruto. Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), urged Ruto to keep off former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua dismissed President Ruto’s declaration that his coalition “must win” the 2027 General Election as “wishful thinking.” He made these remarks on his DCP TV platform following a tour of Nakuru County, during which his convoy reportedly came under attack in Kaptembwo, Nakuru West Sub County. DCP claimed this was an “assassination attempt,” with six vehicles stoned and vandalized. Gachagua condemned the violence, stating that political violence would not cure the deteriorating support of their opponents and that organizing goons to disrupt peaceful meetings was shameful. He cited the opposition’s landslide victory in the recent Ol Kalou by-election, where DCP’s Sammy Waweru Ngotho defeated the UDA candidate, as evidence against Ruto’s electoral confidence. Gachagua further accused Ruto of having “lied to the people of Kenya,” asserting that nobody trusts him anymore. He also detailed a pattern of alleged state-linked “goon” attacks against DCP since his October 2024 impeachment, including incidents in Gilgil and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Further adding to the political debate is President Ruto’s Vision 2060 initiative, a long-term roadmap intended to succeed Vision 2030. This plan has been met with a paradox: while the government invites Kenyans to shape the country’s development agenda for the next 34 years, there is no clearly established or publicly mandated Vision 2060 secretariat to coordinate this crucial process. Governor Orengo vehemently criticized Vision 2060, questioning the government’s focus on long-term plans when young Kenyans are reportedly facing severe economic hardship and even deaths during protests. He argued that immediate problems must be addressed before dreaming of a better Kenya decades into the future, stating, “You cannot dream about a better Kenya in the year 2060 when Kenyans who are living today are living in hell, when you’re killing our young people.” This sentiment underscores a broader opposition view that the current administration is detached from the immediate realities and suffering of its citizens.

As the 2027 elections approach, the political environment is characterized by intense maneuvering, accusations, and the formation of new alliances, signaling a contentious electoral period ahead. Different political factions are actively working to rally support, discredit opponents, and reshape the national political narrative, with the future direction of the country at the forefront of these discussions.