It will likely be Ruto Gachagua again in 2027 or Ruto Ichungwah and Ndindi right behind. Three years is too far to guess, but the only thing clear now is that President Ruto will be elected easily. The constant threat, as always, is JaCon, but once he starts opposition politics, UDA will close ranks very quickly.
I think Rigathi showed his hand quickly by apologizing to folks who said they wanted him dead. He should have done this privately and expanded his nationwide appeal the way Ruto has done for 20+ years. When you return to your community and become a hero, you start diminishing instantly! If I were him, I would only step in central occasionally. I would be in RV, NE, Western, Eastern, and anywhere between and maintaining loyalty to the President privately and publicly.
The President is super friendly to loyal friends and tough on unloyal friends.