NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that President William Ruto views him as the biggest political threat ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying he is prepared to pursue every available legal avenue to secure his place on the presidential ballot.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Gachagua said he would explore “all available options up to the Supreme Court” and, if cleared, would contest the presidency in the next election.
“William Ruto knows that Gachagua is the man to send him home,” he declared.
The former Deputy President also announced that beginning Monday, he will retreat to his Wamunyoro home for a 45-day consultation process aimed at identifying the most suitable presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
According to Gachagua, the consultations will involve discussions with political allies and stakeholders to determine the best strategy for the opposition.
He revealed that during the consultation period, he will not participate in public rallies.
“For the next 45 days, you will not see me in public rallies. I will be in Wamunyoro on consultations to identify a presidential candidate to face William Ruto in the next elections,” he said.
Two-Pronged Strategy
Gachagua outlined what he described as two possible plans.
Under Plan A, he hopes to emerge as the opposition’s presidential flag bearer if he is legally cleared and receives the backing of his supporters.
Under Plan B, he said he would seek a mandate from the Mount Kenya region to negotiate and join forces with other like-minded political leaders in selecting a consensus presidential candidate.
“I remain hopeful that I will be that candidate,” he said.
However, he added that if another opposition leader is ultimately agreed upon, he would still rally his supporters behind that individual.
“If any of my other colleagues is agreed upon, I will lead the 10 million of my people and others to get Ruto out of power.”
Gachagua further claimed that he and his supporters played a decisive role in President Ruto’s rise to power and could similarly influence his exit from office.
“I want to confirm to Ruto and his supporters that as much as they despise me, I and my supporters made him president, and I can still take him home.”
The remarks signal an intensifying political contest as opposition leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua indicating that coalition-building and consultations will shape the choice of a unified challenger to President Ruto.