Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto's administration while on tour in the United States, telling Kenyans living in Portland, Oregon that fighting corruption must become the opposition's main weapon in the coming political battles. Gachagua insists that if corruption is dealt with decisively, it would solve nearly 40 percent of Kenya's challenges, and he believes he is the right person to lead that fight.
Speaking to the diaspora community, Gachagua painted a picture of what he calls "state capture," claiming that President Ruto is using his presidential powers to build a massive business empire across multiple sectors. According to Gachagua, the President has interests in banking, insurance, construction, medical services, steel, cement, tiles, MDF boards, and even education through control of high schools, nursery schools, and ICT institutions. Gachagua went further, suggesting that Ruto has recently expanded into matatu ownership and police uniforms supply.
The opposition leader was particularly sharp in his accusations, stating that these business dealings have effectively driven ordinary Kenyans out of entrepreneurship. He argued that the President's monopoly on business opportunities has created a hostile environment where regular citizens cannot compete or survive economically. "He literally has driven all Kenyans out of business," Gachagua said, listing the extensive range of sectors where he claims presidential influence dominates.
On the economy, Gachagua painted a bleak picture of Kenya's current situation. He pointed out that there is no money circulating in the economy and that businesses are struggling to survive. He blamed this directly on what he calls state capture, where presidential power has been weaponized to benefit a select few at the expense of the broader population. This narrative appears designed to resonate with ordinary Kenyans who are feeling the economic pinch.
Despite positioning himself as the leading opposition contender for the presidential race, Gachagua struck a note of unity and flexibility. He declared that while he is confident he is the strongest candidate to challenge Ruto, he would support whoever the United Opposition eventually settles on as their presidential flagbearer. This statement appeared aimed at calming tensions within the opposition coalition and showing that his ambitions are secondary to the larger goal of unseating the current government.
However, Gachagua also cautioned the opposition to play it strategically. He advised opposition leaders to keep their cards close to their chest and avoid premature disclosure of their political moves. There were hints in his remarks that the selection of the opposition's presidential candidate had already been informally decided, with references to an agreement made 73 days before the previous election, though he did not provide full details.
The former Deputy President's tour of the diaspora represents a significant shift in opposition strategy, reaching out to Kenyans abroad who have significant financial resources and influence within their communities back home. By addressing Kenyan Americans directly and presenting his anti-corruption message, Gachagua appears to be building both political capital and potentially fundraising support for future political activities.
His visit to the United States also underscores the international dimension of Kenya's current political tensions, with opposition figures taking their grievances and political campaigns beyond Kenya's borders to rally diaspora support and international attention to their cause.
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