By TWV Team
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s declaration that he will contest the presidency in 2027, despite lingering questions over his eligibility following his impeachment last October, is set to raise the stakes within the so-called United Opposition, which is working to front a single candidate against President William Ruto.
Gachagua made the announcement during a church service last Sunday, a move widely interpreted as strategic, aimed at consolidating his support in the Mt Kenya region and boosting his bargaining power within the Opposition, should he ultimately not make it to the ballot. The 2010 Constitution bars a person removed from office through impeachment from being elected or appointed to a public office.
However, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), is challenging the manner of his impeachment in court. Analysts suggest he could be hoping for a favourable ruling, which might clear the path for a presidential run or allow him to position himself as a running mate to the Opposition’s chosen flag-bearer.
Some political analysts argue that as long as the case remains before the courts, nothing prevents him from running since he has not exhausted all avenues of appeal. “You will recall the attempt to block Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto from contesting in 2013 due to their crimes against humanity cases at The Hague. The High Court ruled that only the Supreme Court had exclusive jurisdiction to determine their eligibility. In their view, a similar precedent could apply in Gachagua’s case.
Other leaders eyeing State House include former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement, former Justice Minister Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, and former Interior Minister Dr Fred Matiang’i, who enjoys the backing of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party. “If Kenyans elect me as president, I will not peddle false promises. I only seek to restore the Kenyan state to where Mwai Kibaki left us,” Gachagua pledged.
He outlined his agenda to revive the economy, tackle challenges in the health and education sectors, and restore the dignity of workers’ payslips by scrapping the Housing Levy to enhance Kenyans’ purchasing power.
In the 2022 presidential election, 3.5 million of Ruto’s 7.1 million votes came from the Mt Kenya region, after he and Gachagua successfully led a rebellion against Uhuru Kenyatta, who had backed ODM leader Raila Odinga under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
It is this numerical strength that Gachagua hopes to ride on in 2027, as he seeks revenge against Ruto for what he terms as betrayal. Yet, he faces the uphill task of uniting the region behind him to strengthen his hand in whichever Opposition coalition eventually takes shape.
Recently, Gachagua was compelled to withdraw support for DCP candidate Duncan Mbui in the Mbeere North by-election in favour of the Democratic Party’s Newton Karish, after former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and DP leader Justin Muturi protested. Mbui has since defected to Chama Cha Mashinani, led by former Public Service CS Moses Kuria, accusing Gachagua of betrayal by bowing to zoning agreements despite his heavy investment in popularising DCP.
The fallout underscores the delicate balancing act that awaits Gachagua as he seeks to secure backing across Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, particularly with his successor at Harambee House Annex also expected to mount a spirited challenge to outmanoeuvre him.
