Why Gachagua's claims have rattled South Rift leaders

Former Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua speaking during an engagement  with Kalenjin vernacular stations at his Karen home in Nairobi on February 20th 2026. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rattled South Rift Valley leaders after he declared himself the champion of the interests of the region's people.

The MPs have now joined hands to rally their electorate against Gachagua, who on Monday toured Bomet County to spread his "wantam" gospel, accusing President William Ruto of abandoning his community.

Gachagua told gatherings at his stops that he would defend the region’s demands.

Two days earlier, Gachagua had spoken to Kalenjin radio stations, highlighting some of the projects that stalled after President Ruto took over.

In Bomet, Gachagua criticised the leadership of the region, claiming they were not demanding projects from Ruto’s administration.

"Your MPs are not speaking, the senator is not speaking, and the President is not speaking," said Gachagua.

“From today henceforth, I will be the official spokesperson of the Kipsigis community because the local leadership has abandoned their roles as they have been pocketed by Ruto. This region remains marginalised by the national economic policies and unfulfilled campaign promises.” 

In response, several local leaders returned to the region and accused him of political opportunism. They dismissed his self-proclaimed defender of the Kipsigis community.

They also rejected claims by Gachagua that the government had abandoned the Kipsigis community, saying the region’s contract with the President was on course.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot accused him of trying to make personal political gain, saying the community would rather "buy a cat" for protection than rely on him.

According to Cheruiyot, Gachagua lacked a clear agenda to move the country forward, describing unfit for public office.

Kericho governor, Eric Mutai, maintained the region was firmly behind Ruto "because of the good policies and programmes that he has continued to establish in the region.”

Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei defended ongoing Kenya Kwanza development projects in the South Rift region, including the construction of affordable housing and road infrastructure.

‎“He is calling himself the Kalenjin spokesperson. Let him tell the people of Bomet and Kericho how many projects he brought during the period he served in office,” said Sigei.

Nominated Senator Joyce Korir claimed Gachagua wanted to divide the Kalenjin community and urged the electorate to disregard him.