Rigathi Gachagua has declared he will not apologise for his recent remarks about William Ruto, insisting he was simply speaking what he believes to be the truth.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he has no regrets over his comments.

“I have no apology to give to anybody. I described what I see, and I will continue speaking truthfully,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua dismissed suggestions that his remarks were disrespectful or fell short of leadership standards, maintaining that he stood by everything he said.

“There is no apology to make,” he reiterated.

He further stated that, having left government, he is no longer bound by the same expectations that apply to serving state officials.

The President had earlier addressed the ongoing exchanges, saying he would respond to critics when necessary but remain focused on development.

Speaking during the groundbreaking of Busia Stadium, Ruto said political confrontations would not distract him from his agenda.

“When our competitors rise to engage on issues, we shall meet them there with clarity and reason… I will give you one per cent of my time,” he said.

He also criticised opponents for engaging in personal attacks instead of offering solutions to national challenges.

In a candid admission, Gachagua said his remarks were partly aimed at provoking a reaction from the President.

“I wanted him to lose his temper… to stop being presidential,” he said.

The back-and-forth between the two leaders marks one of the most visible political rifts since Gachagua’s exit from government.

The exchange has triggered mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some calling for restraint and issue-based politics, while others see it as part of the early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general election.

As political alignments begin to take shape, the public fallout signals a potentially heated contest in the years leading up to the polls.