Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has boldly positioned himself as the leading contender to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. Speaking during a diaspora engagement event in Boston, Massachusetts, Gachagua declared that he is the frontrunner for the opposition’s presidential ticket, citing his political experience and widespread support particularly in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region.
The event, held at the Well of Worship Hall during the launch of the Democratic Change Party (DCP) satellite offices, drew attention to the simmering debate within the opposition about who should carry the coalition’s flag. Gachagua, who recently split from Ruto’s camp, dismissed claims that a consensus had already been reached on a joint opposition candidate.
“There is no agreement yet. The only consensus is that we must unite,” Gachagua stated. He emphasized that all potential candidates have been urged to build their own political bases ahead of a decisive meeting in December 2026 that will determine the coalition’s standard bearer.
Tapping into his central Kenya political roots, Gachagua reminded attendees of his role in the 2022 election, claiming that he was pivotal in delivering nearly four million votes for Ruto. He vowed to double that number to unseat the incumbent in 2027. “I mobilized 4 million people from this mountain to make you president. I will mobilize 8 million from this community to send you home,” he declared.
The former deputy president’s U.S. tour is seen as part of a broader strategy to solidify both diaspora and domestic support. His declaration intensifies the rivalry among key opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC Kenya’s Martha Karua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
Despite his ambitions, Gachagua faces significant hurdles, including a pending impeachment case filed earlier this year. Nonetheless, his confident proclamation signals a new phase in opposition politics, with the 2027 presidential race already taking shape nearly two years in advance.
