Gachagua: I remain eligible for 2027 presidential race

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses the media on June 9, 2026/ SCREENGRAB

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has maintained that he remains eligible to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election despite the High Court's decision to uphold his impeachment.

Speaking on Tuesday, a day after the court upheld his removal from office, Gachagua dismissed claims that the ruling had barred him from seeking elective office, saying the legal process was not yet concluded.

"I wish to confirm to my supporters across the country that I'm eligible to vie as a presidential candidate, and I will be on the ballot on the 10th of August 2027 should the formula that will be agreed upon by the United Alternative Government favour me as a single presidential candidate," he said.

Gachagua argued that the Constitution provides avenues for appeal and that no person can be barred from contesting an election before all legal processes are exhausted.

"Article 38 of our Constitution provides in clear and unambiguous terms that no person shall be barred from vying as a candidate in any election unless all avenues of appeal are exhausted," he said.

His remarks came after the High Court ruled on Monday that his impeachment was lawful and remained valid under the Constitution.

The court, however, found that his right to a fair hearing had been violated during the Senate proceedings and awarded him Sh50 million in damages.

Gachagua said he would challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence that the appellate process would determine the matter conclusively.

"This erroneous judgment of the bench can be reviewed and overturned by the Court of Appeal. I will be vindicated by the Court of Appeal, hopefully once again, with further protection at the Supreme Court still in my hand," he said.

The former Deputy President also revealed that he had been advised by supporters and political allies to focus on consultations aimed at identifying a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

He said he would spend the next 45 days engaging stakeholders, opinion leaders and supporters on the way forward for the opposition.

"My supporters have now instructed me urgently to embark on the implementation of our joint strategic stance. I will retreat to Wamunyoro for 45 days to start exhaustive and extensive consultations with my supporters, opinion leaders and stakeholders on the formula of identifying a single presidential candidate," he said.

According to Gachagua, his consultations will focus on building consensus within the opposition and determining the best approach for the 2027 presidential contest.

He said he remained committed to working with other opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government framework to ensure a united front in the next election.

"I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the United Alternative Government towards the cause of a single presidential flag bearer," he said.

Gachagua added that the consultations would explore different scenarios, including one in which he emerges as the opposition candidate and another in which a consensus candidate is selected through an agreed formula.