President William Ruto has launched a fresh political attack on opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i, questioning their claims of commanding millions of votes ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The President challenged the opposition figures on Monday, November 9, during his development tour of Nyamira County, accusing them of treating Kenyan voters as political possessions that could be transferred between individuals.

In its November 9 report, Citizen Digital detailed Ruto's latest confrontation with his former deputy, reporting that the President had accused Gachagua of being a chief extortionist and claimed that alleged financial demands contributed to his removal from office in October 2024.

Citizen Digital reported that Ruto made the allegations during a roadside rally in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, where he questioned Gachagua's claims about his contribution to the President's 2022 electoral victory.

The President also revisited their former political relationship, arguing that Gachagua had received an opportunity to serve as Deputy President despite receiving limited support during the running-mate selection process.

The Standard independently reported the confrontation in its November 9 article titled Ruto brands Gachagua 'chief extortionist', detailing the President's allegations that the former Deputy President had demanded money from businesspeople and political aspirants seeking political opportunities through his party.

The allegations have not been independently established as facts, and Gachagua's response would be important to include in any subsequent reporting.

Beyond the personal confrontation, Ruto also directed his criticism towards the wider opposition coalition, particularly its claims about the number of votes its leading politicians could mobilise.

In its November 9 report, The Star revealed that the President had dismissed the recent unity discussions involving Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang'i, questioning their claims of commanding millions of votes.

The publication reported that Ruto challenged the politicians to respect Kenyan voters, insisting that no individual leader could claim ownership of citizens' electoral decisions.

Capital FM also covered the President's remarks in its November 9 report titled Ruto takes swipe at opposition leaders over 10 million votes claim.

According to the publication, Ruto questioned how politicians could confidently claim to have millions of votes at their disposal when the ultimate decision rested with individual voters.

The President's remarks came shortly after Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang'i held discussions aimed at easing tensions within the opposition.

The three leaders had been involved in disagreements over political strategy, regional influence and the selection of a joint presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027.

People Daily, in its November 9 coverage, further reported that the President had challenged opposition leaders to stop concentrating on whether they would present one presidential candidate or several candidates.

Instead, Ruto argued that Kenyans wanted political leaders to explain how they intended to address the cost of living, improve agriculture, strengthen education and provide better healthcare services.

KBC Digital also reported the President's November 9 confrontation with Gachagua, highlighting his accusations over alleged financial demands involving aspirants seeking political positions through DCP.

The latest exchange adds another chapter to the increasingly bitter relationship between Ruto and his former deputy, who served together following the 2022 General Election before their political fallout culminated in Gachagua's impeachment.

It also places the opposition's unity efforts under fresh scrutiny as its leading figures attempt to consolidate their political influence ahead of the next election.

While Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang'i have maintained that they intend to work together, the question of who will eventually carry the opposition's presidential ticket remains unresolved.

For Ruto, the latest developments provide an opportunity to challenge the opposition's political strategy while defending his administration's development record.

However, the ultimate decision will rest with Kenyan voters when they head to the ballot in August 2027.