Gachagua’s Presidential Run Stirs Political Currents Ahead of 2027

Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to run for president in 2027, introducing a new dynamic within Kenya’s opposition ranks and prompting shifts in coalition strategy.

The former deputy president made the declaration during a public address in Karatina, marking a shift from his previous position as a political organiser to an active contender for the presidency. While his allies describe the move as part of a broader opposition plan, the timing and tone have raised questions among senior coalition figures.

According to sources within the opposition, key leaders had informally agreed to signal their ambitions early in order to rally regional support before settling on a joint presidential candidate. This approach, aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation, mirrors tactics used in previous elections, where local influence was leveraged to increase negotiating power within national coalitions.

However, concerns have emerged over the risk of fragmentation. Comparisons have been drawn to the 1992 collapse of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (Ford), when rival presidential campaigns divided the opposition and allowed the incumbent, Daniel arap Moi, to retain power. 

Gachagua’s bid has revived fears that internal competition could once again weaken the opposition's chances. Gachagua’s platform includes pledges to abolish the housing levy and devolve housing initiatives to county governments.

His push to establish a regional party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is seen by insiders as a strategy to secure parliamentary strength through a strong presidential candidacy. Earlier this year in Laikipia, Gachagua referenced Raila Odinga’s repeated presidential runs as a model for maintaining political relevance. 

He also said that his proposed Mountain party would admit only “loyal flag bearers,” signalling an attempt to unify and discipline his support base in the region.

Supporters, including Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, have defended Gachagua’s announcement as a necessary step to mobilise voters and stake a claim in ongoing coalition negotiations. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka echoed this view, describing such early declarations as routine in the political landscape.

Nonetheless, the move has caused unease among allies of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. There are concerns that a consolidated Mt Kenya bloc behind Gachagua could shift the balance of power within the opposition, potentially undermining efforts to reach consensus on a single presidential candidate. 

Kalonzo, who has supported Odinga in three previous campaigns, has publicly ruled out stepping aside again, saying such a move would amount to political retirement. Despite emerging tensions, Kalonzo allies insist that regional leaders declaring interest is part of a coordinated plan to boost local influence before eventual unification. 

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua have both stressed the need for unity, warning that personal ambition must not derail the opposition’s goal of challenging President William Ruto in 2027.

Political analysts view Gachagua’s move as both strategic and disruptive. 

Professor David Monda, a US-based scholar, believes the declaration introduces uncertainty for Ruto’s team, which now faces difficulties in identifying and targeting a clear opponent ahead of the election.