Allies of President William Ruto have intensified attacks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks urging some political leaders to stay away from campaigns for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by election.
Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kenya Kwanza leaders accused Gachagua of promoting divisive politics, arguing that his comments contradict constitutional rights guaranteeing freedom of movement, political association and national unity.
The leaders were responding to Gachagua’s remarks directing Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the Linda Mwananchi movement and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna not to participate in campaigns for the Ol Kalou by-election.
Speaking during boda boda empowerment programmes held at Nabongo Mumia Cultural Grounds in Matungu Constituency, Kakamega County, and Lwandanyi ACK Comprehensive School in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, Speaker Wetang’ula said Kenya’s leaders should promote unity rather than regional or ethnic divisions.
“We are criss-crossing the country from Mombasa to Malaba and from Turkana to Lamu seeking to unite our people into one indivisible nation, not to divide them,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker noted that communities in Bungoma County, including the Teso, Sabaot, Abaluhya, Kikuyu and others, have coexisted peacefully, warning against politics that encourage exclusion.
“We want to unite our people. I do not want to see hatred based on tribe, ethnicity or political affiliation,” he added.
Wetang’ula also urged Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying President William Ruto deserved another term because of what he described as equitable distribution of development projects across all 47 counties.
Lusaka: Every Kenyan Has a Right to Campaign Anywhere
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka termed Gachagua’s remarks “unfortunate,” questioning how a leader seeking national leadership could discourage fellow politicians from campaigning in parts of the country.
“How do you stop people from visiting your region and then expect to lead Kenya? That is not the leadership this country requires,” Lusaka said.
He maintained that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to campaign and associate politically anywhere in the country.
“We do not practise politics that tells people where they can or cannot campaign. That belongs to the past,” he added.
Gachagua’s Remarks Spark Political Storm
The criticism follows comments made by Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), during preparations for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The former Deputy President told Governor Kang’ata and the Linda Mwananchi movement to stay away from the campaigns, saying the contest should be handled by local leaders who understand the constituency.
“I want to tell my brother Irungu Kang’ata that we do not need you in Ol Kalou unless you are coming to campaign for another party,” Gachagua said.
Kenya Kwanza Leaders Join Criticism
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot accused sections of the opposition of promoting ethnic politics and alleged that some opposition activities were being financed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to weaken President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe described Gachagua’s remarks as evidence of intolerance, saying no Kenyan should be barred from campaigning in any part of the country.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan freedom of movement and political association.
“Ol Kalou is part of Kenya. No one has the authority to bar other leaders from visiting or campaigning there,” he said.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela said the remarks undermined national cohesion, insisting that no region belongs to an individual leader.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of backing opposition efforts aimed at weakening the Kenya Kwanza administration, while Butere MP Tindi Mwale urged politicians to prioritise development over political confrontation.
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, while reaffirming support for President Ruto’s re-election, renewed calls for the Western region to produce the 2027 running mate, proposing Speaker Wetang’ula as a suitable candidate.
Ol Kalou By-Election Becomes Key Political Battleground
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is increasingly shaping up as a major contest between Kenya Kwanza and the emerging opposition, with both sides intensifying campaigns and exchanging political attacks ahead of the vote.
