Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused both President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga of ignoring the Abagusii community when making important national decisions.

Speaking during an interview on Egesa FM, Gachagua said President Ruto refused to appoint Charles Nyachae as the new head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. He claimed that the selection team had given the President two names to choose from — Charles Nyachae and Erastus Edung Ethekon — but Ruto picked Ethekon because of a past disagreement with the Kisii community.

Gachagua said this disagreement began in the year 2007 when the late Simeon Nyachae, a strong Kisii leader, had a fight with Ruto in South Mugirango. "Ruto is still upset with the Kisii people because of what happened back then," Gachagua said.

He also claimed that Ethekon was chosen to help Ruto win in 2027. Gachagua said Ethekon worked under Josphat Nanok, who is the President's Deputy Chief of Staff. He believes this connection could give State House more power over the elections.

"The person who was picked worked for Nanok, and Nanok works for the President. They want to control the election from State House," he added.

Gachagua also criticised Raila Odinga for not giving any of the top government positions he got through the NADCO talks to someone from the Gusii community. He said this was a sign that Raila does not value the Kisii people.

Even with all these issues, Gachagua is confident that he can beat Ruto in the next election. He said the IEBC does not decide who wins — it is the voters who do. He plans to protect votes at the polling stations and use trusted agents.

Gachagua also said he will launch a new political group at the end of May. He is working with other well known leaders like Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Mukhisa Kituyi.