John AdoyiKenya’s former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Presidential elections, promising to unveil a new political party by 15 May 2025, in a bid to challenge his former boss, President William Ruto, whom he accused many times of plotting his impeachment.
Speaking in an interview on Weru TV, a local Kenyan television channel, Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024 over multiple counts of constitutional violations and corruption, insisted that he would challenge his impeachment at all judicial levels to clear his name and secure a spot on the ballot.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGachagua argued that Kenyan law allows him to run for office as long as he has not exhausted all legal avenues.
“Our laws say if you have not exhausted all legal mechanisms, you are free to vie for any office. Rigathi Gachagua’s case has not even started; it will go to the High Court, then to the Court of Appeal, and if it does not go well, we go to the Supreme Court. Before it is concluded at the Supreme Court, Rigathi Gachagua will vie for the presidency, and he will win with so many votes,” he declared.
Acknowledging the crowded field of opposition leaders eyeing the presidency, including former head of the country’s Supreme Court, Martha Karua and the country’s former Deputy president from 2008 to 2013, Kalonzo Musyoka, Gachagua said discussions would be held to settle on a single opposition candidate.
“Everyone wants the presidential seat… and we will keep on campaigning. At the end, we will discuss and decide who will be. If they do not select me, I will still back the chosen one,” he stated.
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He emphasised that the opposition’s primary goal is to remove President Ruto from power, ensuring a united front to secure a decisive victory and save Kenyans from the issues he claimed were as a result of Ruto’s bad leadership.
“This man (President Ruto) must go home. The formula we will use will have everyone present what they bring to the table so that we can guarantee a win of 70+1. We will release a joint statement, committing ourselves to the people of Kenya that among us, the presidential candidates will choose one and back them for the seat.”
Gachagua also revealed plans to launch a new political party by 15 May 2025, after failing to meet an earlier March deadline. He urged Kenyans to support his bid, promising a fresh agenda for the country.
Political analysts say that Gachagua’s re-entry into the political arena could further fracture the opposition or strengthen it, depending on how coalition negotiations unfold.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the battle lines are being drawn, with Gachagua positioning himself as a key player in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
