Gachagua accuses Ruto of neglecting Kalenjins, taking all development to Nyanza

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto for what he said was neglecting the Kalenjin community in matters development.

Gachagua, speaking in an interview with Kalenjin journalists on Friday evening, said the President has prioritised communities outside the Kalenjin for development in his hunt for votes for re-election next year.

He also sought to assuage fears that he would sideline the community if his opposition outfit dethrones President ruto in 2027.

“Rais alipitishwa na kura ya Mlima na ya Wakalenjin…sasa nikamwuliza rais, kama tumesahau hawa Wakalenjin, walikuvumilia miaka tano, wewe umechukua kila kitu ukapelekea Nyanza, hutembelei hawa watu…ukija Kericho, Bomet, unakuja interdenomination...mbona hukuji kufungua project? Mimi nilimwuliza,” he said.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the Kalenjin community, despite having the President hail from their region, has largely been neglected,

“Hawa wakalenjin hawana mtetezi; wabunge wamenyamaza, masenator pia wamenyamaza, nani atatetea hao?” He posed.

He said that while he fell out with his former boss, his relationship with the Kalenjin nation remaines unscathed, seeking to allay fears that he would lock them out of government were he to form it in the next elections.

“There is no one who will discriminate against the Kalenjins. They have not wronged anyone. We have a problem with one person, whom we will remove from power when the time comes. Kalenjins are good people. They have worked and developed this country. Just because Ruto has wronged us, it doesn't mean the whole Kalenjin community has done it," he said.

At the same time, Gachagua says he will be visiting parts of Kalenjin land enroute to his engagements in Kisii next week.