Gachagua declares 2027 presidential bid, rejects kingmaker role

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has today declared that he will seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election, dismissing suggestions that his political role is to help remove President William Ruto and hand power to another opposition leader.

The declaration sets the stage for a potentially competitive battle within the opposition coalition as rival parties and leaders seek to agree on a single presidential candidate capable of challenging Ruto in 2027.

Speaking to Gen Zs at his Wamunyoro residence after concluding 55 days of consultations, Gachagua said he was offering himself for the presidency and would not settle for the role of a kingmaker.

“Is Riggy G running for president? The answer is yes,” Gachagua said, insisting that his opposition to Ruto was driven by his desire for better leadership rather than bitterness or revenge following his removal from office.

“Riggy G is not a kingmaker. Riggy G is king,” he said.

Gachagua said Kenyans had urged him to seek the presidential ticket of the United Alternative Government, arguing that they had identified him as the strongest candidate to lead the opposition coalition into the 2027 elections.

He said his supporters had asked him to convince his political colleagues that he was the best candidate to deliver a first-round victory, citing his experience, leadership qualities, political networks, national support and political infrastructure.

“They have instructed me to persuade my colleagues that I’m the best bet to guarantee a first-round win,” he said.

Gachagua, however, said his presidential ambitions would not stand in the way of efforts to unite the opposition. He pledged to support the coalition’s preferred candidate if the political alliance settles on someone else to carry its presidential flag.

The former Deputy President also rejected claims that his impeachment and removal from office had disqualified him from seeking elective office.

“I want good leadership in this country, and I am offering myself for that position of president. Let nobody tell you that because I was removed from office, I cannot run,” he said.

Gachagua cited Articles 75 and 99 of the Constitution in arguing that the provisions should be considered together when determining the eligibility of a person facing questions under Chapter Six of the Constitution.

He said his legal battle against his removal from office would continue, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court would uphold his right to contest.

“We are in court because we believe in the court of law, justice, and the kind of democracy we want,” he said.

Gachagua argued that the High Court had previously found that he was subjected to an unfair process and denied a fair hearing, questioning why the consequences of what he described as an unconstitutional process should continue to affect his political ambitions.

“Why would any court in this country deny me the chance to pursue political office when I have done nothing wrong?” he asked.

He said he remained determined to seek the presidency, arguing that the consultations had demonstrated significant support for his candidature.

“I am determined to pursue political office because that is what Kenyans want,” Gachagua said.