By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 24 August 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ruled out any political comeback with President William Ruto, saying the President already knows why he (Gachagua) would not accept a deal with his former boss.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence on Monday, August 24, during a meeting with a delegation from northern Kenya, Gachagua responded to Ruto’s recent declaration that he could work with anyone in the opposition except him.
Gachagua said Ruto’s position reflected an understanding that he would reject any attempt to bring him back into the Kenya Kwanza fold.
“He has said he is ready to work with everyone except Riggy G. It is not that he does not want to; it is because he knows it is impossible. I cannot take his money,” Gachagua said.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader claimed that Ruto had previously tried to reach him through intermediaries but failed to convince him to return to his political camp.
Gachagua said he viewed Ruto’s refusal to work with him as an indication that he remained a serious political threat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He has increasingly positioned himself as a possible United Opposition presidential candidate, while calling for opposition leaders to settle on a single candidate to challenge Ruto.
Gachagua widens political map
Gachagua’s latest remarks came as he hosted a delegation from northern Kenya at Wamunyoro, part of his wider efforts to build political alliances beyond his traditional Mount Kenya base.
The meeting followed his recent proposal to bring Isiolo, Marsabit and Wajir into what he calls "Mount Kenya North”.
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Speaking in Embu on Saturday, Gachagua described the expanded bloc as comprising four sections: Mount Kenya West, Mount Kenya East, Mount Kenya South and Mount Kenya North.
He said the proposed political arrangement would bring together more communities and give the region greater numerical and political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Mount Kenya South; the Kamba, Mount Kenya West; the Kikuyu, Mount Kenya East; the Mbeere, Embu, Meru and Tharaka,” he said.
He added that Isiolo and Marsabit would form part of the new Mount Kenya North grouping.
Gachagua’s strategy comes as Ruto seeks to consolidate his own political base ahead of his re-election bid. The President has accused his former deputy of promoting tribal politics and said he has moved on from their political partnership.
The increasingly bitter exchange between the former allies highlights the widening political distance between them as the 2027 contest begins to take shape.
Gachagua Draws the Line on Ruto as He Builds a Broader 2027 Base
Gachagua said he viewed Ruto’s refusal to work with him as an indication that he remained a serious political threat ahead.