Gachagua reveals role he will take if not chosen as Opposition flagbearer
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he will take up the role of director of the presidential campaign if he is not chosen as the United Opposition’s flag bearer in the 2027 General Election. Speaking at his Wamunyoro home during a visit by a delegation from the Wiper Party for consultations on Tuesday, […]
Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President, has disclosed that he will assume the role of presidential campaign director should he not be elected as the United Opposition's flag bearer in the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a meeting with the Wiper Party delegation at his residence on August 18, 2026, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), expressed his determination to play a pivotal role in the opposition campaign and assured of their victory.
The DCP leader boasted about his shrewdness in presidential campaigns and alleged that even President William Ruto, their primary contender, is aware of his skills and fears him. "If I am not the opposition’s flag bearer, I will be the director of the presidential campaigns," Gachagua declared. He further boosted the United Opposition's confidence, asserting that a full throttle campaign would leave President Ruto "gasping for air."
Gachagua reiterated his demand for the opposition to unite under a single presidential candidate, arguing that unity is the key to defeating Ruto in 2027. The opposition is currently working to strengthen its position ahead of the upcoming general election, with the primary goal of unseating Ruto. Gachagua has been advocating for the opposition to first stabilize its individual political bases before negotiating for the candidate who will face Ruto.
While most opposition leaders concur with the idea of a single presidential candidate, they are divided on the timing of this decision. Gachagua, however, suggests delaying the decision by around three months prior to the election. Despite these efforts, Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni from the Jubilee Party remains skeptical about the opposition's ability to unite under one candidate.
Kioni suggested that leaders might run independently and collaborate in case of a runoff, and questioned the opposition's capacity to conduct credible polling to determine their preferred presidential candidate. As President William Ruto readies himself for the 2027 general election, the political landscape is set for a highly competitive contest.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
