Gachagua: I Am Willing to Be Sifuna’s Running Mate in 2027

Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has said he would be willing to deputise Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna if political calculations show that Sifuna is best placed to defeat President William Ruto in the 2027 election.

Speaking in Spokane, Washington, during a meeting with Kenyans in the diaspora, the former deputy president said opposition coalition plans should remain flexible as leaders assess their prospects ahead of the General Election.

“If we do our arithmetic and find that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna will send President William Ruto home early, so be it,” Gachagua said. “Even I, Riggy G, can deputise Sifuna.”

Gachagua said the final opposition ticket could take several forms, with Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka or himself taking either the presidential or deputy position.

"We will come up with a line-up and you will love it. We will blend youthful energy with experience,” he told the audience.

His comments came shortly after Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli questioned whether Sifuna was ready to run for president. Atwoli said the senator lacked the organisational reach needed for a national campaign and should wait for a more suitable opportunity.

Gachagua rejected the argument and said Sifuna’s age should not be used to rule him out of the presidential race. He cited former US presidents Barack Obama and Franklin Roosevelt, who were 47 and 42 respectively when they became president.

“At 44 what is Kenya?” Gachagua asked, urging Sifuna not to be discouraged by senior politicians.

He said the opposition should ultimately support whichever candidate could attract enough support to defeat Ruto. He also expressed a willingness to work with Kalonzo Musyoka in the same way.

“If you persuade us that you are the best person to take Ruto home, we will rally behind you. There is no problem,” he said.

Gachagua’s remarks position him as both a presidential contender and a potential running mate, while emphasising his stated commitment to a united opposition. His support for Sifuna also challenges arguments that younger leaders should not seek the presidency, while leaving room for veteran politicians such as Kalonzo to remain part of the coalition.

The comments come as Kenya’s opposition weighs how to combine younger leaders with more experienced politicians in preparation for the 2027 election.