NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Gachagua said he is determined to be on the ballot, adding that he is both qualified and confident of garnering enough support to mount a serious campaign.
“I am a candidate to be president of the Republic of Kenya. I am qualified and I have support. I am looking for more support and I will be on the ballot as a candidate for President,” he stated.
Gachagua also addressed questions about his eligibility, particularly concerning his impeachment and ongoing legal battles. He argued that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to run for elective office as long as legal remedies have not been exhausted.
“The Constitution guarantees your right to vie for elective office even if you have been convicted, if you have not exhausted the remedies available in law. The Supreme Court has not made a ruling on my impeachment,” Gachagua said.
He cited the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who was convicted but was allowed to vie for office after he successfully appealed his case.
The former Deputy President is among the opposition leaders seeking to fly the opposition flag in the 2027 race. During the interview, he dismissed accusations of being a tribal leader, insisting that he is a nationalist committed to Kenya’s unity.
He claimed his love for his community has been misinterpreted, and he challenged anyone to provide evidence of him speaking against other communities.
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“The man before you is a great nationalist. I have never uttered anything against other communities. Loving my community does not mean I hate others. I challenge anyone to bring a single utterance where I have spoken against other Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua pointed to his support for President William Ruto in the 2022 general elections as proof that he does not engage in tribal politics.
He argued that the accusations are being driven by political rivals seeking to damage his reputation following his fallout with the President.
“Some of the leaders who embraced me when I was in government are now pushing the tribal narrative against me because of politics,” he said.
