I’ll Be on The 2027 Ballot, Gachagua Vows

Rigathi Gachagua has announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, stating he is legally qualified to run despite his 2024 impeachment and ongoing legal challenges.

In a televised interview on Citizen TV, the former Deputy President said he intends to contest the presidency, citing his constitutional right and pointing to ongoing judicial proceedings that have yet to bar his eligibility. He referenced the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who remained a candidate while appealing a conviction, as a relevant precedent.

“I am a candidate to be president of the Republic of Kenya. I am qualified. I have support. I am looking for more support, and I will be on the ballot,” Gachagua said.

His announcement follows a political fallout with President William Ruto, under whom he served before his removal from office in 2024. Gachagua was impeached by Parliament over allegations of misconduct and ethnic division—charges he denies and which are currently under review by the Supreme Court.

Addressing accusations of tribalism, Gachagua rejected claims that he promotes ethnic politics. He said his advocacy for his community has been misrepresented, and maintained that he supports national unity and inclusive governance.

“The man before you is a great nationalist. Loving my community does not mean I hate others,” he said. 

He also noted that his past support for President Ruto in the 2022 election was evidence of his commitment to cross-regional politics. Gachagua said his campaign will focus on issues such as justice, anti-corruption, and institutional reform. 

He has condemned extrajudicial killings, corruption, and failures in public service delivery. His recent calls for President Ruto to resign, he said, are based on principle rather than personal disagreement.

“I don’t think stopping abductions or saying no to extrajudicial killings is revenge. It is humanity,” he stated. “Stopping corruption is not revenge; it’s morality.”

He further criticised Parliament and the Senate, accusing them of failing in their oversight roles. He also questioned the effectiveness of Raila Odinga’s opposition leadership, claiming it has been compromised by cooperation with the current government.

“Somebody must do it. Raila was compromised, Parliament and Senate have been captured. Someone has to stand up and say no,” Gachagua said.

His entry into the race adds to a growing field of opposition candidates, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa. While Gachagua has expressed openness to a united opposition, he believes he is best placed to lead it.