Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a sharp attack on President William Ruto, dismissing his “Tuko Kadi” slogan and declaring that the head of state is already on his way out ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a political rally in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, Gachagua told supporters that while the president claims to hold the political card, it is in fact a red card that will send him home.
“Nimeona Kasongo akijaribu kuhijack hiyo slogan ya Gen Z, Niko Kadi. Kasongo, wacha nikuambie, wewe uko na kadi lakini yako ni red card. Red card ya kwenda nyumbani. Tumekupatia red card. Na red card utaenda nyumbani. Ata ukifanya nini, ata ukilete nyota, ata ulete mwezi, ama ulete jua, utakuwa one term,” Gachagua said.
He went on to argue that his support base, alongside voters from the Mount Kenya region, played a key role in securing Ruto’s victory in the 2022 election.
“Nikwambie Kasongo, mimi na watu ya mlima tulikusaidia. Tukakupatia kura millioni nne ukakuwa rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua, however, accused the president of abandoning the same supporters after taking office, saying they felt betrayed by his leadership.
“Kufika pale ukatugeuka, ukatusaliti, ukatuangaisha, ukatutukana, ukafuta watoto wetu kwazi, ukaharibu biashara zetu, ukabomolea watu wetu. Sisi tulikufanya rais wa Kenya, Sisi ndio tutakupeleka nyumbani. Asubuhi mapema,” he added.
The remarks come shortly after President Ruto publicly declared his readiness for the next election cycle while on a four-day development tour in the Nyanza region. During his engagements, he embraced the youth-driven “Niko Kadi” message, which encourages voter registration and participation among young people.
“Na mimi nataka kuwaambia tuko tayari na tuko kadi kama manataka hiyo tuko kadi tayari. We are ready for you when the time comes,” Ruto said.
The exchange highlights a growing political rift, with both leaders now using the same slogan to send opposing messages as the 2027 contest begins to take shape.
