Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s bold declaration that he will be on the 2027 presidential ballot to challenge his former ally-turned-enemy, President William Ruto, has jolted the opposition camp and ignited a fresh wave of political realignments.
Gachagua, who was impeached and replaced by the then Interior CS Kithure Kindiki last year, has rebranded himself as the face of resistance against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During a recent tour in Boston, US, where he launched the first diaspora office of his new party—the Democracy for the Citizen Party—Gachagua signalled his ambitions clearly.
“We haven’t agreed on a candidate yet. The only consensus so far is ensuring President Ruto serves only one term. I am the frontrunner, and I believe I have the best chance to be president,” he told cheering supporters.
“After Christmas next year, we will meet and decide who carries the flag—just one candidate to face William Ruto.”
Gachagua, who claims he delivered four million votes from Mt Kenya to Ruto in 2022, has now vowed to double the number in the coming general election.
“In 2027, I will mobilise eight million votes to send Ruto home,” he said.
Notably, his close allies, especially from the Mount Kenya region have consistently endorsed him for the seat, noting that his candidature is non-negotiable.
“Cachagua will be on the ballot for President in 2027 no matter what,” Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa recently said during a public rally.
He said the former DP is the only leader capable of defeating Ruto following his “political persecution.”
Nyandarua Senator John urged Mt Kenya voters to abandon UDA and embrace DCP.
Methu accused Ruto’s administration of targeting leaders who speak out against the administration.
“We respect Ruto as President, but we do not fear him,” Methu said during a recent rally.
The Service Party leader, Mwangi Kiunjuri, accused Gachagua of inciting Mt Kenya against the government for selfish gain.
Kiunjuri, who is a close ally to Ruto, said Gachagua’s blackmail will not be tolerated.
He urged Kenyans to shun leaders promoting hatred.
"We are fully behind the government as it strategises on fulfilling the campaign manifestos,” he told the Star.
The New Democrats party leader Thuo Mathenge dismissed Gachagua as a “non-starter” driven by vengeance.
“He carries too much baggage—abrasive style, corruption cases, impeachment scars. He lacks the integrity to lead the community,” he said, insisting Mt Kenya remains firmly behind the government.
Mathenge said the recent move by Gachagua to taint the reputation of leaders who don’t subscribe to his ideology will not be entertained.
Political analysts says Gachagua’s plan is rooted in regional bloc politics and not nationalism.
Charles Mwangi, a lecturer at Jkuat and a political analyst, said the heart of Gachagua’s 2027 strategy is a bold attempt to dismantle UDA’s dominance in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, where he accuses Ruto of betrayal.
He said Cachagua has branded himself as the defender of the mountain’s political and economic interests while blocking new entries from other communities.
“Gachagua understands the arithmetic of power in Kenya as he was part of team that campaigned against Raila in 2022 on the premise of regional voting blocs, which is mostly characterised by hatred and ethnicity,” Mwangi said.
“With the mountain behind him and alliances with Kalonzo, Matiang’i and Karua, he becomes a top-tier candidate unless the cases ahead disqualify him. If the opposition unites under him, Ruto should worry.”
Mwangi believes Gachagua is capitalising on Gen Z-led protests and growing discontent over high living costs to frame himself as a defender of the common man.
However, a section of analysts argue that Gachagua’s rise is complicated by simmering tensions within the opposition.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua recently warned against premature speculation on a 2027 lineup.
“Stop leaking fake proposals and giving people positions. No agreement has been reached,” she said, stressing that the opposition’s mission must go beyond removing Ruto to delivering systemic reforms.
Karua recently confirmed she will be on the presidential ballot in 2027, urging Kenyans to elect a woman leader, since men have failed to unite the country.
“God willing, I will vie for presidency and bring unity to Kenya the same way a mother unites her home,” she said.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and former Chief Justice David Maraga have also declared interest in the presidency.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was also forced to dispel rumours he is joining the government despite mounting pressure from his close associates.
In a strongly worded statement, Kalonzo accused the Ruto administration of authoritarianism.
“I will never join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any dialogue with a regime that has our children’s blood on its hands,” he said, insisting that the spirit of resistance remains alive.
Columnist and political analyst Albert Kasembeli warns that the opposition could crumble due to disunity.
Failure to unite by the opposition could fracture the opposition.
“Gachagua’s strength is Mt. Kenya; his weakness is everywhere else. Disunity will hand Ruto an easy victory,” he said.
President Ruto, meanwhile, has brushed off criticism, calling on opponents to move beyond slogans such as Ruto Must Go.
“I heard someone who served this country for 50 years now saying Kenya is a failed state. Was he working in a failed state all that time?” Ruto quipped at the NSE.
He defended his administration’s record and urged the opposition to present credible alternatives.
His allies, including ICT CS William Kabogo, have accused Gachagua of spreading divisive politics, while Kindiki recently urged Mt. Kenya voters to ignore his “misleading rhetoric.”
Former DP and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua opens a second satellite office in Boston, US /HANDOUT
