Don’t make me your agenda, President Ruto tells Gachagua, Karua, Kalonzo
President William Ruto addresses residents during the laying of a foundation stone at Whitehouse Diani's Affordable Housing Project in Kwale County on February 25, 2025.
President William Ruto has told off his critics, who joined hands on Thursday to launch Martha Karua’s rebranded People's Liberation Party (PLP) and vowed to unite against him in the 2027 election, saying they needed a solid agenda and manifesto.
Dr Ruto rubbished the new bid, saying the leaders had nothing else to talk about other than him.
"I saw some people meet to form a party. During the event, they spent over four hours talking about William Ruto. Was the party about William Ruto? I did not send the people to talk about me. They are con people and they should instead have a clear vision for their party," he said.
The President further condemned ethnic politics as regressive and urged leaders to focus on uniting the country rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
"They should instead tell us their alternative plans for the country. Our vision is clear, what is theirs? What is important is the transformation of this country. I assure you that is my focus," he said.
He was speaking during the launch of the construction of the Sh9 billion Illasit-Njoro-Njukini-Tavetsla road.
The new Ms Karua party launch was attended by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa on Thursday, February 27, vowed to stick together to remove President William Ruto from office in 2027.
Other leaders who attended the event included Jimi Wanjigi, activist Morara Kebaso, former Cabinet minister Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, among others.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua (center) with opposition leaders (from left) Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Dorothy Semu (ACT Wazalendo party) and Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during PLP's launch in Nairobi on February 27, 2025.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was absent during the new party launch in Nairobi, is also in the shadows as a potential presidential candidate.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party is said to be backing Dr Matiang’i’s candidature.
“I have expressed my wish to run for president, and the rest of the people here have the same ambition. Others will be making announcements later… Each one of us must subordinate our interests to the interest of the nation. Whoever gets elected as the candidate through a transparent method that we shall devise, we shall all rally behind that person,” Ms Karua said.
Mr Gachagua, on his part, asked the team to remain united, saying he had learnt a lot about the President and would use the knowledge to help oust him.
“We know him, don’t worry. The day that we will start climbing on the vehicle rooftops as he is doing, we will dismantle him, we will disclose him well to an extent that people will start running away from him,” Mr Gachagua said.
In Taita Taveta, President Ruto emphasised the necessity of unity in the nation, stating that divisive and ethnic politics are detrimental to progress and stated his commitment to collaboration with his 2022 political opponents.
"The country doesn't need divisive and ethnic politics. We must walk as one nation, and that is why I am working with my opponents because the elections are over and it is time for development. Development is more important than an individual's or political party's interest. The developments we're implementing will benefit everyone," he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and his Housing counterpart Alice Wahome also criticised the party and its allies.
Speaker Kingi said those criticising the President were in government but failed to deliver to citizens.
"In that launch, there were two former vice presidents, some were powerful ministers in previous government but they have nothing to show for their records. They are criticising the government yet they did not do anything when they were in power," he said.
He said electorates in the region will support Mr Ruto's 2027 bid.
During his development tour in Taita Taveta, the President launched the construction of the dilapidated road in Taveta, the Sh1 billion Voi affordable housing project and the Maungu ESP market.
He said the construction of the Bura-Mghange-Mbale-Mto Mwagodi road that stalled last year will resume on Monday next week.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime asked the President to ensure that the government completes the Sh50 million Ikanga airstrip, ensures the implementation of the 50-50 Tsavo revenue proceeds and the tarmacking of various roads in the county.