Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that he is willing to deputise Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in the 2027 presidential election if an opposition alliance determines that Sifuna offers the best chance of defeating President William Ruto.
Speaking during a community engagement with Kenyans in Spokane, Washington, on Sunday, August 6, 2026, Gachagua said his priority was to build a political coalition capable of removing Ruto from power.
Gachagua, who has previously positioned himself as a potential presidential contender, said he was confident he had the numbers and capacity to challenge Ruto but would be willing to support another candidate if opposition leaders agreed that candidate had a stronger chance of winning.
“I’m willing and ready. By the way, there’s no problem. Even I, Riggy G, I can deputise Sifuna. Kwani iko makosa gani?” Gachagua posed.
The former Deputy President singled out Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and himself as serious contenders who could potentially lead the opposition into the 2027 presidential contest.
Also Read: Gachagua ramps up 2027 rhetoric, accuses govt of broken promises
“We are very serious presidential candidates, and Sifuna is one of them. Riggy G here is a serious candidate. My cousin, Kalonzo Musyoka, is a serious candidate. And we can give to anybody, including Sifuna,” Gachagua said.
He said political leaders should not be intimidated by age or traditional political arrangements, arguing that younger politicians should be allowed to take leading roles.
“And it’s about time also, we accept… we cannot be telling our young leaders that they are the leaders of tomorrow. That is misusing them. I want to tell our young leaders, they are the leaders of today. And they must fight for their space,” he said.
His remarks signal a willingness to negotiate the opposition ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, amid ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to forge a united front against Ruto.
Opposition dilemma on presidential candidate
Gachagua has in recent months stepped up his political engagements and has repeatedly called for opposition leaders to put aside individual ambitions and work together to defeat the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The former DP’s latest remarks also place Sifuna, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary-general and Nairobi senator, among the politicians he considers capable of mounting a serious presidential challenge in 2027.
Also Read: Mudavadi cautions Sifuna over plans to build national political party
While Gachagua maintained that he remains a serious contender, his willingness to serve as Sifuna’s deputy could inject a new dimension into the opposition’s efforts to settle on a joint presidential ticket.
The opposition is expected to face growing pressure to agree on its presidential candidate and running mate as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
