What Gachagua Plans to Do if He Wins in 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched his 2027 presidential campaign with a reform-driven agenda, pledging major changes to education, healthcare, and taxation.

Speaking in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Gachagua outlined key policy proposals aimed at addressing social and economic challenges facing Kenyan households. Central to his platform is a commitment to revitalise the free basic education programme, which he credits to the legacy of the late President Mwai Kibaki.

While the government maintains that education is free, Gachagua argued that many families still face hidden costs and administrative barriers. He pledged to restore the original intent of the policy and ensure that all children, especially those from low-income backgrounds, can access quality education without financial strain.

Gachagua also promised wide-ranging reforms in the health sector, with a specific focus on maternal and child healthcare. He proposed reinstating free maternity services, saying the move would reduce the financial burden on families and improve public health outcomes.  

The initiative forms part of his broader emphasis on strengthening social safety nets and promoting equity in access to essential services. On fiscal matters, Gachagua criticised the housing levy introduced under President William Ruto’s administration, describing it as a contributor to rising economic hardship.

He called for its immediate abolition, arguing that removing such financial pressures is essential to improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

“These are the burdens we must lift from Kenyans if we want a nation where citizens thrive,” he said during the rally.

His remarks come as political mobilisation intensifies around his presidential bid, with increased public engagements and strategic endorsements pointing to a structured campaign. Gachagua framed himself as a populist reformer and a direct challenger to the current administration, saying, “The medicine to remove Ruto is Riggy G.”

Meanwhile, Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) has adopted a new strategy in parliamentary contests, choosing to support joint opposition candidates rather than field its own. In Mbeere North, the party is backing Newton Karish of the Democratic Party, a move supported by the Jubilee Party under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Jubilee’s Deputy Organising Secretary, Pauline Njoroge, confirmed the endorsement and dismissed reports of unauthorised candidate nominations.
This decision followed a DCP National Executive Council meeting in Nairobi, where the party resolved to withdraw from three upcoming by-elections, Mbeere North, Muumbuni Ward, and Kabuchai/Chwele Ward. In each case, DCP has pledged support for candidates from allied opposition parties, Democratic Party, Wiper, and DAP-K.

However, the move has caused internal dissent. Duncan Mbui, previously DCP’s candidate for Mbeere North, has defected to Moses Kuria’s Chama cha Kazi party, citing dissatisfaction with the decision to step down. The seat became vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, elected under the DP ticket, was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President Ruto.

The Mbeere North by-election now features Karish, UDA’s Leonard Muriuki, and Mbui, setting up a closely watched race that may indicate the strength of opposition cooperation heading into the next electoral cycle.