Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared that he is willing to support an opposition candidate other than himself if his political allies agree on another contender to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua made the position clear on Monday, August 24, at the conclusion of his 55-day Wamunyoro consultations in Nyeri County, where he presented the findings of engagements held on the country's political future.
Speaking after the consultations, Gachagua maintained that he had received significant backing for his own presidential bid and argued that he was best placed to challenge Ruto in next year's election.
However, he also sought to reassure opposition figures concerned that competing presidential ambitions could weaken efforts to unseat the President.
Gachagua revealed that those who took part in the consultations cautioned him against putting personal political interests ahead of the broader objective of defeating Ruto.
“People have told me they have analysed and decided that Rigathi Gachagua needs to be the preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Adding, “Kenyans have made it clear that we cannot gamble or take a risk that will bring Ruto back. Do whatever it takes, including sacrificing our personal interests,” he stated.
The Wamunyoro consultations were launched to gather views from grassroots leaders, professionals, young people and other sections of Gachagua's support base on the country's political direction ahead of the 2027 polls. The exercise was later extended from its initial 45-day timeline.
In his address, Gachagua also outlined areas that stakeholders want the proposed alternative government to overhaul, including healthcare, education and infrastructure.
His remarks come amid growing speculation that rivalry among opposition presidential hopefuls could lead to divisions within the coalition seeking to challenge Ruto.
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i, Wiper Patriotic Front's Kalonzo Musyoka and People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua have all expressed interest in contesting the presidency.
Despite the competition for the opposition's presidential ticket, Gachagua indicated that his priority was broader than his own candidacy and pledged to support whoever is ultimately selected.
“There comes a time when a patriot must make sacrifices for his nation. My supporters told me that I should not be the reason; the alternative should not be one presidential candidate. They told me they should I should back whoever we have chose to be the candidate,” he added.
Gachagua Plans Visits to Government Strongholds
Gachagua also announced plans to tour several regions considered strongholds of the broad-based government in the coming weeks.
The planned visits will include Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu as he continues efforts to expand his political engagements beyond his traditional support base.
Before embarking on the domestic tours, Gachagua announced that he would travel to the United States on Wednesday, August 26, to discuss and chart the next phase of his political plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He disclosed that he would use his time in the US to engage with various Kenyan and other communities living abroad.
