Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will run for the presidency in 2027. He insists he is the only opposition leader who can defeat President William Ruto.
During a tour of the Mt Kenya region on Saturday, Gachagua said he responded to calls from Kenyans to serve the country.
“I have accepted to vie for the presidency of the Republic of Kenya. Kenyans have looked and said the only leader who can remove Ruto from office is Riggy G, and I have come home to seek your blessings,” he said.
Education: A Top Priority
Gachagua highlighted education as his first priority. He promised to restore free education, a program he credits to the late President Mwai Kibaki.
He said many families still face challenges paying school fees despite government pledges of free basic education.
“The first thing I will do if elected president is to ensure that our children truly access free education, as introduced by the late Mwai Kibaki,” he said.
Health Reforms
The former Deputy President also promised reforms in the health sector. He plans to revive free maternity care to ease financial burdens on families. The move aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the country.
Economic Relief: Abolishing the Housing Levy
Gachagua pledged to abolish the housing levy introduced under the current administration. He argued that the levy is a burden on taxpayers and removing it would ease financial pressure on citizens.
“These are the burdens we must lift from Kenyans if we want a nation where citizens thrive,” he said.
The Road Ahead
Gachagua’s announcement comes as opposition leaders debate on selecting a single candidate to challenge President Ruto in 2027. His focus on education, health, and economic relief positions him as a contender with strong appeal to ordinary Kenyans.
