Gachagua Vows to Relocate to America if Ruto Wins 2027 Elections

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua faces mounting criticism from opposition colleagues after declaring he will flee to the United States if President William Ruto wins a second term in 2027.

The former Deputy President made the remarks during an interview on Inooro TV on Sunday, November 1, following his return from a nearly two-month stay in the US Gachagua warned that opposition leaders would face political prosecution if Ruto retains power, particularly if internal divisions in the Mt Kenya region hand the incumbent an easy victory.

However, his ultimatum has drawn sharp backlash from fellow opposition principals, exposing deep fractures in the coalition attempting to unseat the current administration.

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i accused Gachagua of alienating key allies with political arrogance and attempting to reduce national leadership to tribal politics. Speaking on Sunday, Matiang’i warned that Gachagua's rhetoric threatens to dismantle coalition efforts before campaigns even begin.

“That pride and arrogance is what is going to split the opposition and make it difficult for the opposition to come together,” Matiang’i said. “We must have everyone on board. Leadership and the future of Kenya cannot be decided on ethnic balkanisation.”

The spat coincides with broader friction within the opposition ranks. Tensions flared on Friday, October 30, during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) headquarters in Nairobi, where Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was booed by supporters of LMM leader Edwin Sifuna. Meanwhile, reports indicate government allies are actively courting Musyoka to cross over to the ruling coalition, though opposition figures publicly insist they remain united to defeat Ruto.

Gachagua linked his potential relocation directly to whether Mt Kenya voters rally behind a single opposition presidential candidate. He noted that other regional figures positioning themselves as spokespersons, including Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro, could end up splitting the electorate.

“Ruto will try to use our people to split the region, and if I see that happening, I know that Ruto will be re-elected,” Gachagua said. “And if he is re-elected, we will be in trouble, but I won't be here. I will be in America. I have a house there.”

He added that he would not wait for the final election results if he convinced himself that voters had been misled by local leaders, saying he would “board a plane and go to the US” with his family.

Addressing his recent overseas trip, Gachagua disclosed that his two-month stay in the US between August 26 and October 20 cost Sh150 million. He claimed he did not spend his own money, saying the trip was fully funded by Kenyans living in the diaspora.

Gachagua recounted an elaborate reception by supporters in Texas, saying host families relocated from their homes to accommodate him and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. Supporters also provided vehicles, food, laundry services, and personal shopping.

The visit sparked debate after Gachagua shared photos of a residence in Dallas, Texas, featuring a replica of his “I Love Wamunyoro” sign. While Gachagua posted on social media calling the property a “home away from home,” earlier reports from his August 2025 Dallas visit indicated the sign was originally erected by local hosts as a gesture of welcome.

Gachagua maintained that his time abroad involved prayer, fasting, and political consultations, concluding that he had done his part to unite Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 contest.