Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, vowing to be on the ballot despite political headwinds and ongoing legal challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Gachagua affirmed his determination to run for the top seat, citing his qualifications and growing support base.
“I am a candidate to be president of the Republic of Kenya. I am qualified and I have support. I am looking for more support and I will be on the ballot as a candidate for President,” he said.
Gachagua defended his eligibility, noting that his impeachment and legal battles do not disqualify him from seeking elective office. He argued that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to vie for leadership positions as long as legal processes have not been fully exhausted.
“The Constitution guarantees your right to vie for elective office even if you have been convicted, if you have not exhausted the remedies available in law. The Supreme Court has not made a ruling on my impeachment,” he explained, citing the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who contested an election while appealing his conviction.
The former DP, who has recently emerged as one of the key figures positioning themselves within the opposition, dismissed claims that he is a tribal leader. Instead, he described himself as a nationalist committed to uniting the country.
“The man before you is a great nationalist. Loving my community does not mean I hate others. I challenge anyone to bring a single utterance where I have spoken against other Kenyans,” he stated.
Gachagua also pointed to his role in supporting President William Ruto during the 2022 General Election as evidence that he does not engage in ethnic-based politics. He accused political rivals of pushing the tribal narrative to tarnish his image following his fallout with the President.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Gachagua’s candidacy adds a new dimension to Kenya’s political landscape, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
