The political rivalry between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto has taken a new twist ahead of the 2027 general election.
What started as a fallout between the two former allies is fast shaping into a fierce political war that could define the next presidential contest.
After his abrupt ouster from office earlier this year, Gachagua wasted no time in launching his new political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP).
He vowed to use the platform to teach his former boss a lesson by sending him home in the next general election. The bold move signaled Gachagua’s determination to position himself as a formidable opposition voice against President Ruto.
However, recent developments suggest that President Ruto is not taking Gachagua’s threats lightly. In what political observers are describing as a tactical counter-move, Ruto managed to convince one of DCP’s parliamentary hopefuls to abandon his ambitions.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, DCP’s Banisa Constituency candidate Adan Mohammed, popularly known as Kiongozi, officially dropped out of the November 27 by-election.
Mohammed’s decision came just weeks after he had been unveiled as the DCP flagbearer in Mandera County.
The twist came after photos surfaced online showing Mohammed at State House, warmly greeting President William Ruto. The images, widely shared across social media platforms, fueled speculation that his withdrawal was directly influenced by his meeting with the Head of State.
According to reports, Mohammed’s sudden about-turn left Gachagua’s camp blindsided and sparked fresh debate about President Ruto’s ability to outmaneuver political opponents.
For Gachagua, the incident marks a significant setback as he works to build credibility for his fledgling party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Analysts argue that the Banisa development is a clear signal from Ruto that he is prepared to fight back against any political challenge.
By persuading DCP’s candidate to step aside, the President not only weakened Gachagua’s momentum but also sent a strong message to other aspirants considering aligning with the new party.
With less than two years to the general election, the Gachagua–Ruto political war is already proving dramatic and unpredictable. If this latest incident is anything to go by, Kenyans should brace for an intense political showdown between the two former allies as 2027 draws closer.
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