Count Me in The 2027 Presidential Race, Gachagua Announces

Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2027.

Speaking in Karatina Town as he launched a political tour of the Mt. Kenya region, Gachagua cast himself as a reformist opposition leader and launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing the head of state of fostering corruption at State House through constant, bloated delegations.

Rigathi said he was keen to slay the dragon of corruption accusing President Ruto of breeding rather than fighting corruption.

“the frequent visits you see are given handouts from proceeds of corruption and I want to assure Kenyans that it will be top of my agenda to ensure corruption is dealt with once and for all,” he said

Once seen as President Ruto’s most loyal deputy, Gachagua’s break from the administration marks one of the most significant political realignments since the 2022 elections.

His impeachment earlier this year, widely perceived as politically motivated, appears to have emboldened rather than silenced him.

Gachagua now seeks to harness growing public frustration, especially in the Mt. Kenya region, where economic grievances and feelings of political marginalisation persist.

Crucially, his presidential declaration was publicly endorsed by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, signaling a broader effort to build a formidable political force ahead of 2027.

Their alliance could appeal to voters disillusioned with both Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio la Umoja coalition, potentially fracturing traditional voting blocs and forcing a national conversation on governance, transparency, and regional equity.

Gachagua’s move is politically risky but strategically calculated. By challenging Ruto from within the former ruling alliance’s heartland, he aims to reclaim the Mt. Kenya political mantle and reshape the 2027 contest into a three-horse race.

Whether this strategy will gain national traction or fizzle under political pressure remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Gachagua’s entry into the race has redefined the stakes and stirred the waters of Kenya’s political future.