Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied claims that the
opposition is planning to overthrow President William Ruto from power.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, an hour
after Ruto’s statement, Gachagua said the “wantam” movement is not seeking to seize
power unconstitutionally.
“We want to advise you that the wantam movement is not getting you out of
power outside the Constitution,” Gachagua said.
“Mr President, nobody wants to overthrow your government, nobody wants you
out of power through unconstitutional means.”
Gachagua said the opposition, which has made its position clear, only seeks
to remove Ruto from State House through the ballot in 2027.
He criticised Ruto for alleging that there is a plot to overthrow his
administration.
Gachagua said the claim is an excuse to persecute opposition leaders.
"Nobody wants you out of government unconstitutionally. We want to face
you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax," the former DP said.
He maintained that no one is interested in seizing power through
unconstitutional means.
Earlier on, while speaking during a tour at Kilimani, Nairobi, President
Ruto firmly declared that his rivals will not succeed in forcibly removing him
from power through unconstitutional means.
Ruto said he will not allow the
country to be destabilised by individuals pushing for a change in leadership
outside of the constitutional process.
He dismissed what he described as attempts by impatient groups to force an
early transition of power, saying such efforts would not succeed.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and
who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going
to happen,” he stated.
Ruto called on his critics to prepare for the 2027 general election if they
believe they have better policies to offer Kenyans.
“If they have plans, let's meet in
2027. They should prepare their manifesto, and then we will meet in 2027. There
is no shortcut in between,” he stated.
He emphasised that leadership changes can only happen through democratic
elections, not demonstrations.
“I want to tell them, it will not happen. And if they were thinking about
it, they better think again,” Ruto said.
