Why Ruto and Gachagua’s Political Paths May Still Intersect Despite Their Public Fallout

As Kenya awaits a crucial court ruling on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment case on Monday, June 8, 2026, several political developments from recent months deserve closer attention. 

While none of these observations amounts to definitive proof, the timing of certain events raises questions that cannot easily be ignored.

Earlier this year, President William Ruto was in Azerbaijan while his former deputy Gachagua, was reportedly in the United Kingdom. 

At the time, reports suggested that the former deputy president would spend nearly a month abroad. Surprisingly, however, he returned to Kenya after only about a week.

What caught my attention even more was the fact that both leaders returned to the country in a remarkably low-key manner. There was little public discussion surrounding their arrivals, despite their significance in Kenya's political landscape.

Gachagua later explained that he had cut short his trip because Kenyans wanted him back home. In my view, there was no obvious nationwide pressure demanding his immediate return, making that explanation difficult for some observers to fully accept.

For that reason, I have long held the opinion that political consultations or understandings may have been taking place away from public view. 

Whether directly or indirectly, I believe these events could have been linked to a broader strategy designed to strengthen President Ruto's political position.

Today, Gachagua appears less politically aggressive than before, and his future largely depends on the outcome of the impeachment case. If the courts clear him and restore his eligibility to seek higher office, Kenya's political equation could change dramatically.

In my opinion, such a scenario could disrupt opposition calculations, weaken the ambitions of key rivals, including wiper patriotic front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and ultimately create a political advantage for President Ruto's camp as the race toward the 2027 General Election gradually takes shape.