Gachagua Says He Is Ready to Face Ruto in 2027, Vows to Back Opposition Pick

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he considers himself a leading contender to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, while maintaining that he is ready to support another candidate if the opposition settles on someone else.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader made the remarks during his ongoing engagements with Kenyans living in the United States.

Gachagua said opposition leaders must be willing to put aside their individual ambitions and unite behind one candidate who can challenge Ruto in 2027.

“As we speak, I am the frontrunner. I have millions of people behind me,” Gachagua said, according to The Star.

Despite presenting himself as a leading contender, Gachagua said his personal ambition would not stand in the way of opposition unity.

He said he would be ready to make the necessary sacrifice if the opposition agreement required him to step aside for another candidate.

Gachagua has also previously made a similar commitment, saying he would support whoever is chosen as the opposition presidential flagbearer if he does not secure the ticket.

The former Deputy President has been using his extended United States tour to engage Kenyans in the diaspora as opposition leaders continue discussions on how to field one candidate against Ruto.

The question of who will carry the opposition ticket in 2027 remains unresolved, with several senior politicians positioning themselves for the presidency.

Gachagua has maintained that the opposition must eventually agree on one candidate to avoid splitting its support.

His latest remarks therefore put him in an interesting position: he continues to present himself as a strong candidate for the top seat while also promising to remain in the opposition camp if another leader is selected.

For now, the focus remains on whether opposition leaders will reach an agreement on a joint candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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