Rigathi Gachagua Declares 2027 Presidential Bid to Unseat William Ruto

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared his intention to run for the presidency in Kenya's 2027 General Election, aiming to unseat President William Ruto. Speaking at his Wamunyoro home following a 55-day political conclave that began in June, Gachagua positioned himself as the preferred candidate for the United Alternative Government opposition coalition.

Gachagua asserted that his experience and political networks make him the best choice to lead the opposition, though he stated he would step aside if other leaders agree another candidate has a better chance of victory to avoid fragmentation. He characterized the current administration as dictatorial and callous, calling for a public inquest into deaths during the 2024 Gen Z protests.

While rejecting the role of a kingmaker, Gachagua is simultaneously fighting his removal from office in the Court of Appeal of Kenya. He described a previous High Court ruling—which upheld his impeachment but awarded him 50 million shillings in damages for violating his right to a fair hearing—as a constitutional absurdity. Gachagua maintains he remains eligible to contest for office, a position supported by the Law Society of Kenya.