Gachagua Claims He Alone Can Defeat Ruto in 2027 Election

Rigathi Gachagua has declared his candidacy for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, positioning himself as a direct challenger to President William Ruto.

During a political tour in Nyeri County, Gachagua said he was responding to widespread calls from citizens urging him to run for the presidency. The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader claimed he had the grassroots support and political strength required to defeat Ruto. 

“Kenyans have looked and said the only leader who has the ability to remove Ruto from office is Riggy G,” he told supporters, using his popular nickname.

Gachagua launched his campaign from the Mt Kenya region, a politically influential area he aims to consolidate before seeking national support. His bid comes amid uncertainty within the opposition, which has yet to unite around a single presidential candidate.

Outlining his priorities, Gachagua pledged to restore free education, citing former President Mwai Kibaki’s legacy. He argued that, despite government promises, many families still face school-related costs and said he would ensure education is truly accessible. He also promised to reinstate free maternity services, aiming to reduce financial pressure on households and improve maternal health.

Another key part of his platform is the removal of the housing levy introduced by the current administration. Gachagua described the levy as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and said abolishing it would offer relief during a period of economic difficulty. “These are the burdens we must lift from Kenyans if we want a nation where citizens thrive,” he said.

Shortly after his announcement, tensions rose following remarks by President Ruto at a teachers’ forum at State House. The president questioned Gachagua’s academic background, suggesting it had hindered the government’s performance before Prof Kithure Kindiki was appointed as Deputy President. 

Ruto, who referred to himself as the most academically accomplished president in Kenya’s history, said, “I had another deputy who used to lament about his low level of education, and I was very sceptical that he would fail my administration.”

In response, Gachagua accused the president of misrepresenting his education record and challenged the authenticity of Ruto’s academic credentials, including his PhD. He said governance should be based on competence and integrity, not academic titles. 

“He pretends to be well educated, but he lies, and he is also mismanaging the country,” Gachagua said.