Gachagua: I have faith Kenyans will let me lead them

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing a rally on February 24, 2026. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/X

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed confidence that he enjoys strong public support, saying he believes Kenyans will back his bid to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

The former second-in-command has harboured presidential ambitions since his fallout with Ruto in 2024, which culminated in his impeachment on October 17 that year.

Gachagua challenged the impeachment in court, but the Senate upheld the decision, making him the first deputy president in Kenya to be removed from office through impeachment.

Despite constitutional provisions barring him from holding any state or public office, Gachagua maintains that his appeal before the courts removes that obstacle and clears the way for his candidacy.

In recent months, he has intensified political activity, holding rallies and championing the “wantam” (one-term) narrative as he positions himself as the favourite candidate within the united opposition.

Driven by what he describes as widespread public goodwill, Gachagua said he is pressing on with his presidential ambitions even as the opposition has yet to agree on a single candidate.

“Yes, I'm a presidential candidate, and I have a lot of expectations; I have faith that Kenyans love me, they know me, and they will give me a chance to lead them,” he said during an interview with the BBC.

Gachagua faces competition from within the opposition ranks for the joint ticket, including Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka.

"We have agreed that we must have a single opposition candidate, and we are many - about six or seven - and we have agreed that everyone should seek support where they come from, but at the end, we will have to pick the most popular candidate who can unseat Ruto."

The opposition coalition has been holding meetings, rallies and engaging congregants in churches as part of efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 contest against Ruto.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has been leveraging his support base in the Mt Kenya region to advance the wantam narrative, often in a combative tone that has triggered a sustained exchange of words with the President.

Ruto has responded in kind and, at some point, accused them of lacking a development agenda.

Without naming individuals, the President criticised a member of the opposition for promoting divisive politics and making inflammatory remarks.

“You have no place in this country, you have no opportunity to divide the people of this great nation called Kenya,” Ruto said on Tuesday while addressing a rally in Kakamega town.

He defended his sharp response, saying it was warranted by earlier personal attacks from opposition leaders.

“Hawa watu nitamalizana na wao asubuhi na mapema (I will deal with these people early in the morning),” he said.