Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made it clear that he intends to remain at the centre of the United Opposition’s 2027 presidential campaign, whether or not he secures the coalition’s top ticket. Speaking at his Wamunyoro home on Tuesday, August 18, Gachagua said he would gladly take charge of the presidential campaign if another leader is selected as the opposition’s flag bearer.
Highlights
- Gachagua says he is ready to serve as campaign director if he misses the opposition ticket.
- He insists the opposition must unite behind one presidential candidate.
- The DCP leader says the coalition has the numbers to challenge President William Ruto.
- Opposition leaders remain divided over when to name their joint candidate.
- Gachagua prefers the flag bearer to be selected roughly three months before the election.
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Gachagua Sets Out His 2027 Role
Rigathi Gachagua is positioning himself for a major role in the 2027 presidential contest, regardless of who eventually emerges as the United Opposition’s candidate.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader made the declaration while hosting a Wiper Party delegation at his Wamunyoro residence for political consultations.
Gachagua said that if the opposition does not settle on him as its presidential candidate, he would instead take responsibility for coordinating the campaign.
He also expressed confidence in his political instincts, describing himself as highly experienced when it comes to presidential campaigns. He further claimed that President William Ruto understands his political strengths and views him as a serious threat.
Push for One Opposition Candidate
Beyond his own ambitions, Gachagua repeated his argument that opposition parties need to rally behind a single candidate if they hope to defeat Ruto in 2027.
He said the coalition would become a much stronger electoral force once its leaders put aside individual ambitions and operate as one political team.
According to Gachagua, a fully mobilised opposition campaign would put significant pressure on the president’s re-election bid.
Opposition Still Grappling With Candidate Question
The debate over who should represent the United Opposition is becoming one of the coalition’s biggest political questions ahead of 2027.
Gachagua has previously argued that individual opposition leaders should first strengthen their respective political bases before negotiations begin over the presidential ticket.
Although several opposition principals appear to support the idea of presenting one candidate, they have yet to agree on the timing of that decision.
Some leaders favour choosing the candidate early to give the coalition enough time to organise and mobilise supporters across the country.
Gachagua, however, has advocated for a later decision, suggesting that the flag bearer should be picked only a few months before Kenyans head to the polls.
Kioni Raises Concern Over Unity
Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has also questioned whether the opposition leaders will ultimately manage to agree on one candidate.
His concerns highlight the delicate balancing act facing the coalition, with several prominent politicians expected to have presidential ambitions of their own.
For now, Gachagua appears determined to remain influential in the process either as the person carrying the opposition banner or as the strategist tasked with helping its eventual candidate win.
With the 2027 race already taking shape, the bigger question may not only be who will lead the opposition but whether its leaders can stay united long enough to make their strategy count.
