Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has affirmed that ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains eligible to run for the presidency in 2027 despite his recent impeachment. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Malala clarified that Gachagua still enjoys full political rights unless and until he is proven guilty and all avenues for appeal have been exhausted.
“As it stands, Rigathi Gachagua qualifies to run for any office. Until he is proven guilty and has exhausted all appeal mechanisms, he still enjoys the rights, just like any other Kenyan, to vie for any office,” Malala said.
Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly on October 8, 2024, on 11 separate charges. The motion, spearheaded by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, marked a dramatic turn in the political career of the former Deputy President. However, the legality and process of the impeachment are now being contested in court.
Malala, the former Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), emphasized that until the court confirms the validity of the impeachment process, Gachagua retains the right to participate in future elections, including the presidency.
Currently in the United States, Gachagua is actively campaigning and mobilizing support for his political movement under the newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). He has been engaging the Kenyan diaspora and establishing satellite offices to bolster his bid.
Despite his ouster, Gachagua has remained resolute in his presidential ambitions, declaring that he will contest in the 2027 elections. However, he also expressed willingness to step aside if the broader opposition coalition selects another candidate through a mutually agreed formula.
“I am a front runner and I think I have the best chances to be President, but I want to give you a commitment that if the formula does not favour me to send Ruto home, I will sacrifice my ambition to support whoever the system favours,” Gachagua stated during his US tour.
As legal battles continue and political alliances shift, Gachagua’s future in Kenyan politics remains a closely watched development ahead of the 2027 elections.
