Gachagua Claims Ruto Wants Parliamentary System to Retain Power
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto and his allies of allegedly plotting to amend the Constitution by replacing Kenya’s presidential system with a parliamentary model, claiming the move is intended to make it easier for the Head of State to retain power through Members of Parliament rather than through a direct vote by Kenyans.
Speaking during a political tour of Kinangop Constituency in Nyandarua County, Gachagua alleged that the proposed constitutional changes would allow the President to be elected by MPs instead of the electorate. He claimed such a system would make it easier for leaders to influence the outcome through Parliament and vowed to oppose any attempt to introduce the changes.
“Sasa anasema tunataka tutoke presidential system tuende parliamentary because rais anajua kununua wabunge ni kitu rahisi. Anaweza nunua wabunge ati wamrudishe aendelee. Hiyo ni mambo haiwezekani. Hiyo mkitaka kupitisha mlete referendum, tutaiangusha,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader began his tour with a church service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Murungaru before holding political rallies in Murungaru Town, Ndunyu Njeru, Njambini, and Engineer, where he continued his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua also took issue with President Ruto’s proposed Vision 2060 development agenda and the planned national dialogue, arguing that the government is focusing on long-term plans while millions of Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living, unemployment, and other immediate economic challenges.
“Ameenda pale kuleta Vision 2060. Sisi watu wa Kenya hatutaki vision, tunataka vitendo. Mambo ya ndoto hatutaki. Mtu akitaka kuota ataota kwake. Sisi tunataka vitendo,” he said.
He further challenged the government to explain the measures it has put in place to prepare for the anticipated El Niño rains, saying the administration should prioritize protecting lives, livelihoods, and property instead of unveiling long-term development plans.
“Hii El Niño inakuja mwezi ujao. Mipangilio yako ya kuzuia watu wasiuwawe na El Niño? El Niño isiharibu mali ya watu. Watu watasaidiwa namna gani? Hiyo ndiyo mambo ya maana, sio hii ya Vision 2060,” he added.
During the tour, Gachagua also campaigned against Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku, whom he described as one of President Ruto’s key allies in the Mt Kenya region. He urged residents to support leaders who, he said, would champion the interests of the region rather than those aligned with the government.
His latest remarks come amid escalating political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both the government and opposition intensifying campaigns and exchanging accusations over governance, constitutional reforms, the economy, and national priorities.
