Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his willingness to back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking while engaging members of the Kenyan community in Spokane, Washington, on Sunday, September 6, Gachagua indicated that he could even serve as Sifuna’s running mate if the opposition coalition settles on the Nairobi senator as its presidential candidate.
The former Deputy President described Sifuna as an equal contender within the opposition and maintained that any member of the coalition could be selected to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
"We are very serious presidential candidates, and Sifuna is one of them, and we can give it to anybody, including Sifuna. I have told my younger brother Edwin Sifuna not to be persuaded by anybody; go for it," Gachagua stated.
"I have told him not to be intimidated by anybody. You have come of age. There is no problem; even I can deputise Sifuna," he added.
Gachagua, however, stressed that Sifuna would only emerge as the opposition candidate if he secures the backing of other coalition leaders, in line with their agreement to field a single candidate against Ruto.
He argued that presenting one presidential candidate would give the opposition the strongest chance of defeating the president in the first round.
"The people of Kenya have told us one single presidential candidate. It is the easiest and surest way. We have agreed among ourselves; we shall agree on one person," he added.
While positioning himself as the strongest candidate to challenge Ruto, Gachagua cited his political numbers, strategy and previous working relationship with the president, arguing that he understands him better than most of his potential challengers.
Despite this, the DCP leader maintained that he would support whichever candidate the opposition coalition agrees on, including Sifuna and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Gachagua also argued that Kenya should make room for younger politicians to take over leadership, saying the country could no longer keep postponing their opportunity to lead.
"It is about time we accept that we cannot be telling our young leaders they are the leaders of tomorrow; that is misguiding them," he said.
Sifuna has not formally announced his intention to contest the presidency but has continued to signal his willingness to work with opposition leaders in a bid to make Ruto a one-term president.
The Nairobi senator is also pursuing the registration of a new political party after losing his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, Sifuna has toured different parts of the country while campaigning against Ruto, as political realignments ahead of the 2027 election continue to gather pace.
