Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking at his Wamunyoro residence on August 25, 2026 / HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says Kenyans have urged him to seek the presidential ticket of the United Alternative Government in the 2027 General Election.
The former DP said he has received Kenyans support, arguing that he has what it takes to secure a first-round victory.
Gachagua said he had been asked to convince his political colleagues that he was the strongest candidate to lead the coalition, citing his experience, leadership qualities, political networks and support across the country.
“Kenyans have told me that they have analysed and decided that Rigathi Gachagua needs to be the preferred presidential candidate of the United Democratic Government in the 2027 General Election,” he said on Monday after concluding 55-day Wamunyoro consultations.
He said Kenyans had also instructed him to persuade his colleagues that he was the best candidate to deliver victory in the first round.
“They have instructed me to persuade my colleagues that I’m the best bet to guarantee a first-round win,” Gachagua said.
According to Gachagua, those backing his candidature believe he has the energy, the trust of the people, the leadership qualities, the experience, the infrastructure, the capacity, and the political network required to win the election.
However, he said he would not stand in the way of efforts to unite the opposition around a single presidential candidate.
He added that if another candidate is selected, he and his supporters would back the coalition’s choice.
“They have told me clearly that if my colleagues persuade me otherwise, that I should not be the single presidential candidate. I should not in any way be the reason why the United Democratic Government should fail to have one single presidential candidate,” he said.
“In a nutshell, they have told me that in case I am not picked as the single presidential candidate, I and my supporters must back to a man whoever is chosen to be the single presidential candidate.”
Gachagua said that 55-day consultations at his Wamunyoro residence have concluded, but public engagement will continue across Kenya and beyond.
The former DP added that he had presented a comprehensive report to Kenyans following the consultations, which brought together citizens to share their grievances and make suggestions on how to improve the country.
He thanked Kenyans who visited his Wamunyoro residence during the consultations, saying their views would continue to inform his political engagements.
“Finally, the 55-Day Wamunyoro consultations have concluded for now, and I have presented a comprehensive report to the people of Kenya. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Kenyans who visited my Wamunyoro residence to share their grievances and offer suggestions for a better Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua, however, said the end of the consultations did not mark the end of his engagement with Kenyans, maintaining that his political course remained unchanged
“While these consultations are coming to an end, public engagement will continue across communities within Kenya and beyond. Remember, it’s not done until it’s done. Our commitment remains resolute, and our resolve true to our course.”
