A political dispute has erupted following remarks by President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, regarding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent trip to the United States.
Speaking at a political event, Kibet claimed that Gachagua had travelled to the US to seek medical treatment. He went further by making a personal remark about the former deputy president’s health, prompting criticism from sections of the public and Gachagua’s supporters.
Kibet’s comments circulated widely on social media, where some users accused him of turning a political disagreement into a personal attack rather than focusing on policy and governance issues.
The remarks have added to the increasingly hostile exchanges between politicians associated with President Ruto and allies of Gachagua, whose relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration deteriorated before his removal from office.
Gachagua remains an influential player in Kenya’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum. He has continued meeting political leaders and engaging with communities as he seeks to consolidate his influence and build support.
The latest exchange highlights the deepening rivalry between the two political camps, with public rallies, meetings and social media increasingly becoming platforms for competing political messages.
The incident has also reignited debate over the standards of political discourse in Kenya. While criticism is an established part of political competition, some observers have questioned whether comments focusing on an opponent’s personal circumstances contribute to meaningful public debate.
With political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 polls, similar confrontations between rival camps are likely to continue as parties and leaders position themselves for the next electoral contest.