Gachagua Says He Will Not Divide Opposition as 2027 Race Takes Shape

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured Kenyans that he will not become a source of conflict within the opposition coalition as talks continue on choosing one candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a church service in Kajiado on Sunday, May 3, Gachagua said the main goal of the opposition is to remain united and work together towards forming a strong alliance capable of defeating the current administration.

Although he has already declared his interest in the presidency, the former deputy president explained that his ambitions will not interfere with the larger mission of bringing opposition leaders together under one political direction.

Gachagua stated that while he hopes to be chosen as the coalition’s presidential flag bearer, he is ready to support any other leader who may eventually be agreed upon through consultations and consensus.

According to him, the interests of Kenyans and the unity of the opposition are more important than personal political ambitions.

He emphasized that the opposition coalition is still committed to producing one candidate despite several leaders publicly announcing their intentions to run for the presidency.

Gachagua noted that these declarations should not be viewed as signs of disagreement or cracks within the alliance. Instead, he said each leader is currently focused on strengthening support in different regions of the country before a final decision is made.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader explained that the opposition team has a clear strategy in place. For now, leaders are moving around the country engaging supporters, building political networks, and testing their popularity among wananchi.

Once that process is complete, the coalition leaders will sit together and determine who among them has the strongest support and the best chance of defeating President Ruto in 2027.

According to Gachagua, the eventual flag bearer will be selected based on several factors, including national popularity, public influence, political support, and the ability to unite Kenyans from different regions.

He suggested that consensus among coalition partners will also play a major role in determining who carries the opposition ticket.

His latest remarks come only days after he officially declared interest in the presidency, insisting that he has the leadership qualities, political experience, and national appeal needed to remove President Ruto from power in the next election.

However, Gachagua’s political future still faces uncertainty because he is currently battling a court case linked to what he describes as his unfair removal from office.

The former Mathira MP maintains that the process used against him was politically motivated. If the court clears him, he will be eligible to contest for the presidency in 2027.

The opposition alliance currently consists of several prominent leaders who have also expressed interest in the country’s top seat.

These include former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.

Most of these leaders have repeatedly argued that Kenya needs new leadership and fresh ideas to address the country’s economic and political challenges.

At the same event, Gachagua also came to the defense of former President Uhuru Kenyatta following criticism from some government leaders over his recent political remarks and activities.

The former deputy president said Uhuru still has every constitutional right to express his political views despite retiring from office. He criticized leaders attacking the former president, saying retirement does not mean a person loses the right to speak on national matters or support political causes.

Gachagua further stated that Uhuru remains an important national leader whose experience and opinions should be respected.

According to him, the former president still has the freedom to associate with any political group or coalition he prefers, just like any other Kenyan citizen.

He urged government leaders to stop targeting Uhuru over his political opinions, insisting that freedom of expression and freedom of association are rights protected by the Constitution.

Gachagua said the former president should be allowed to participate in national conversations without intimidation or unnecessary political attacks.

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