Nairobi, Kenya: Former Kenyan Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, vowing to abolish the controversial Housing Levy and asserting that the opposition can secure victory without the support of veteran politician Raila Odinga.
While appearing in an interview with Meru-based Weru TV on Sunday night, Gachagua dismissed the notion that Odinga was critical to the opposition’s success, pointing to Odinga’s perceived alignment with President William Ruto.
“I don’t know what he (Raila Odinga) will decide, I think they are together. To be honest, we don’t need him, we are fine,” Gachagua said.
Building a New Coalition
Gachagua outlined plans to form a new political alliance, bringing together opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), George Natembeya, and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i.
He revealed that a strategy meeting with these leaders is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, aimed at consolidating a united front against Ruto’s administration. “We will first look for votes and agree on one candidate later. I will stand down for whoever will get the most support in our camp because Ruto must go home,” Gachagua emphasized.
The coalition plans to announce a joint presidential candidate by the end of 2026, with Gachagua insisting the process would rely heavily on scientific research to ensure a winning formula.
He identified the 3.5 million formally employed Kenyans as the core of the opposition’s support, citing their frustrations over heavy payroll deductions under Ruto’s government. “Our first assignment would be to restore the dignity of the pay slip,” Gachagua said.
As part of his economic plan, Gachagua pledged that houses built under the affordable housing program would be handed over to county governments to rent out, thereby refunding taxpayers and easing financial pressure on workers.
Legal Battle and Political Party Plans
Despite facing impeachment, Gachagua remains confident about his eligibility to run for president, insisting that legal proceedings challenging his removal from office are still ongoing. “As long as my impeachment petition would not have been concluded by the Supreme Court, I will vie for the presidency,” he said.
“Our laws say if you have not exhausted all legal mechanisms, you are free to vie for any office. Rigathi Gachagua’s case has not even started; it will go to the High Court, then to the Court of Appeal, and if it doesn’t go well, to the Supreme Court,” Gachagua explained.
He announced plans to unveil a new political party next month, with former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi expected to play a senior role. The party’s strategy will focus on challenging Ruto’s allies in Parliament, especially in Mt. Kenya.
Rift in Mt. Kenya Politics
Gachagua took a swipe at Mt. Kenya MPs, accusing them of betraying regional interests by siding with President Ruto and orchestrating his impeachment.
“I was not impeached by the people. I was impeached by MPs who did not elect me. Impeached or not, I am still a leader, and that is why people listen to me everywhere I go. I am in the politics of saving Kenya,” he said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
