“I'm a democrat”: Ruto responds to possibility of working with Gachagua in 2027

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- President William Ruto has addressed whether he could work with former deputy Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election

- Ruto said he could work with different leaders but ruled out those who promote ethnic division or use insulting and divisive rhetoric

- The president also defended Gachagua's impeachment, saying MPs had carried out a constitutional process and some would repeat it if given another chance

President William Ruto has addressed whether he would consider working with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a recent interview with journalists at State House, Ruto said he is a democrat who is open to working with different political leaders, but only where they shared his principles on national unity.

The president's remarks appeared to leave the door open to political cooperation while setting out conditions that could rule out working with some leaders, including Gachagua.

Can Ruto work with Gachagua in 2027?

Ruto said Kenyan politics often brings together leaders who were previously on opposing sides, but stressed that he would not work with individuals whose politics he considers divisive.

“In Kenya, people work with everybody. I am a democrat, and I believe in working with people. However, I would be reluctant to work with any leader who does not believe in nationalism and the unity of our nation,” Ruto said.

In what appeared to be a direct attack at Gachagua, Ruto criticised leaders who, according to him, promote ethnic divisions or use rhetoric that pits one community against another.

“Anyone who believes in ethnic bigotry or engages in divisive, tribal or ethnic rhetoric against other Kenyans is someone I cannot work with,” the president added.

Ruto also appeared to take issue with political leaders who use derogatory language against women, saying such conduct was another reason he would be unwilling to work with them.

“I am very clear in my mind. People who insult women and call them unprintable names, I can tell you for sure, those are people I cannot work with,” he said.

Although Ruto did not expressly name Gachagua when outlining the kind of leader he would reject, the comments come against the backdrop of his increasingly strained relationship with his former deputy.

What did Ruto say about Gachagua's impeachment?

Ruto also defended Gachagua's impeachment, describing it as a constitutional process undertaken by Members of Parliament.

““The impeachment was a constitutional exercise carried out by Members of Parliament. I think Kenyans now understand that when a leader uses divisive ethnic rhetoric, demeans other Kenyans and labels people as cousins, traitors or enemies, it is no wonder that MPs moved to impeach him,” Ruto said.

He further pointed to remarks previously made by MPs who supported Gachagua's removal from office, saying some had indicated they would take the same action again if given another opportunity.

“You have heard the members of parliament who impeached him say that if there was another occasion, they would impeach him again,” Ruto said.

Why was Gachagua impeached?

Gachagua was removed from the deputy presidency in October 2024 after the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion containing 11 charges.

The cahrges included gross violation of the constitution and other laws, abuse of office and undermining the independence of state institutions.

The senate later upheld five of the charges, leading to his removal from office.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.