In a bold declaration that sets the stage for a fierce political showdown, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 general election, promising to unseat his former ally, President William Ruto, and “restore the Kenyan state” to its former economic stability under the late President Mwai Kibaki.
Speaking during a church service in Nyeri County, Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), delivered a scathing critique of the current administration, accusing it of incompetence and economic mismanagement.
“If Kenyans elect me as president, I don’t want to promise lies. I only want to restore the Kenyan state to where Mwai Kibaki left us,” Gachagua stated. “The country is broke; we have a debt of Ksh.12 trillion. Telling you I will build roads, dams, and connect electricity is a lie.”
A Plan for Restoration, Not Promises
Gachagua outlined a pragmatic, if modest, vision focused on reviving essential public services rather than launching grand new projects. His key pledges include:
- Scrapping the controversial Housing Levy on his first day in office and transferring all housing projects to county governments to manage and collect rent, using the revenue to refund those whose salaries were deducted.
- Restoring the health system to ensure hospitals are stocked with drugs and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) functions effectively.
- Reinstating free education and reforming the university financing model.
- Removing regulations introduced by the Ruto administration that he deems punitive.
Personal Vendetta and Opposition Unity
In his most fiery remarks, Gachagua took direct aim at President Ruto, questioning his educational credentials and leadership capabilities.
“While the President claims to be highly learned, he has nothing tangible to show for it three years after being sworn in,” Gachagua remarked.
He also revealed that he is part of a united opposition coalition preparing to announce a single flagbearer to challenge Ruto. Gachagua expressed his personal desire to be that candidate, vowing to ensure Ruto becomes a “one-term president.”
“How I wish they choose me, I will ensure Kasongo (President Ruto) goes home very early in the morning on election day,” he said.
However, in a show of political maturity, he pledged full support for whoever the coalition chooses, naming Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa as potential candidates.
“We shall all rally behind him or her to make sure Ruto goes home,” he reiterated, calling opposition unity “the only remedy.”
Echoes of the Past, A Challenge for the Future
Gachagua’s strategy is clear: to evoke nostalgia for the economic growth and stability of the Kibaki era and position himself as the candidate of sober, realistic change amidst Kenya’s current financial woes. By forgoing the tradition of making lavish campaign promises, he aims to build a reputation for honesty and pragmatism.
With the campaign trail heating up nearly two years before the polls, Gachagua’s declarations mark a significant escalation in the political war within Kenya’s ruling elite, promising a fiercely contested and highly personal battle for the presidency in 2027.
