Rigathi Gachagua’s Allies Rally Behind Him as Opposition’s 2027 Presidential Flagbearer
Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have publicly declared their support for him as the preferred opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement was made during a political rally held on Saturday, January 24, at Kagumo Grounds in Kirinyaga County, signalling the start of early campaigns in the Mt. Kenya region.
The rally brought together leaders allied to the Democracy of the Citizen Party (DCP), a party that supported President William Ruto in the 2022 elections.
The leaders used the platform to explain why they believe Gachagua is the strongest candidate to challenge President Ruto in the next polls.
Why Gachagua Is Being Backed as the Opposition Candidate
DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala told supporters that Gachagua played a key role in President Ruto’s victory in 2022 and therefore understands Ruto’s political strength and weaknesses better than anyone else.
According to Malala, this makes Gachagua the only opposition figure capable of unseating the president.
Malala claimed that Gachagua was part of Ruto’s inner circle during the last campaign and that his influence, especially in the Mt. Kenya region, was critical to Ruto’s success. He accused the president of turning against individuals who supported him during the elections, saying many of them now feel sidelined.
He further stated that leaders from Western Kenya and the North Eastern region have already agreed to back Gachagua’s presidential bid. Malala questioned whether the Mt. Kenya region would fail to support one of its own, insisting that DCP is a national party with support across different regions of the country.
Criticism of the Ruto Administration
During the rally, Malala also criticised the current government, raising concerns about national priorities and leadership decisions.
He took issue with the appointment of Ida Odinga, the widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to a senior role at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Malala argued that such appointments show misplaced priorities, claiming the government should focus more on uplifting ordinary Kenyans, including small-scale traders and informal workers, often referred to as “mama mbogas,” instead of rewarding political elites.
Gachagua’s Promises If Elected President
Addressing the crowd, Gachagua admitted that he played a role in the challenges facing the Mt. Kenya region by supporting President Ruto in 2022.
However, he promised to take responsibility and lead efforts to correct what he described as mistakes made after the elections.
Gachagua vowed to introduce major reforms if elected as Kenya’s sixth president. Among his key promises are free education, stronger accountability within the police service, and firm action against cases of police brutality.
He said his leadership would focus on justice, fairness, and restoring trust between the government and citizens.
In a bold statement, Gachagua said he would personally lead the campaign to defeat President Ruto in 2027, declaring that he would escort him back to his home in Sugoi once voted out of office.
Questions Over Gachagua’s Leadership Style
Despite the growing support, some analysts believe Gachagua may face challenges maintaining unity within his political camp. Political analyst Macharia Munene argued that Gachagua’s leadership style during his time in office alienated many leaders from the Mt. Kenya region.
Munene claimed that Gachagua attempted to control political and economic spaces too tightly, which created resistance among other leaders.
He also noted that Gachagua often comes across as confrontational, both in public statements and personal interactions, which could weaken his appeal nationally.
Lawyer Willis Otieno also weighed in, suggesting that more politicians and voters may leave Gachagua’s DCP in search of parties that better represent their economic interests.
According to Otieno, many Kenyans are increasingly focused on economic survival rather than political loyalty, a factor that could shape alliances ahead of 2027.
As early campaigns take shape, Gachagua’s endorsement by key allies marks a significant development in Kenya’s opposition politics, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential race.
Join Gen z Official WhatsApp Channel to share your thoughts and stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
