The Democracy for The Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared that he is ready to support any opposition leader chosen to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, saying the country’s interests are more important than his personal political ambitions.
Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora on Friday, July 31, Gachagua said he would rally behind whichever opposition figure is agreed upon, even if he is not the coalition’s presidential candidate.
“I am willing unconditionally to support whoever; Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, whoever we agree on. I am hopeful it will be me. In case it is not me, I am so open that I will support whoever, because to a greater extent I am responsible for the mess that is in this country.”
The former deputy president said he believes the opposition must remain united if it hopes to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election.
Reflecting on the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Gachagua described the outcome as a symbolic moment for the Mt. Kenya region, arguing that residents viewed it as an opportunity to restore their political standing.
“The people of the Mountain have been looking for an opportunity to redeem themselves, to redeem their dignity through the vote. So Ol Kalou was God chosen for the people of the Mountain. The whole Mountain never slept; it is like everybody was voting, and the community was praying that the people of Ol Kalou do justice on their behalf.”
He also dismissed claims that divisions within the region could weaken its political influence.
“Nothing can divide the Mountain, people are solid. Dividing the Mountain is like cutting a mugumo tree with a razor blade.”
On his own presidential ambitions, Gachagua insisted he remains legally eligible to contest despite ongoing court proceedings challenging his eligibility.
“As far as I know, I am a presidential candidate; I have not been barred from running because Article 99(3) says nobody can be barred from running for office until you exhaust all the legal remedies available by the law. There are two remedies remaining for me; the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. So, I believe I am still a candidate.”
Turning to Western Kenya politics, Gachagua argued that the opposition has gained significant momentum in the region, dismissing the influence of senior government figures from the area.
“Do Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Oparanya have what it takes to stop this new wave in the West? Nothing, the Natembeya-Sifuna wave is unstoppable. I know a little Western.”
His remarks come as opposition leaders continue holding joint political engagements and consultations aimed at forming a united front ahead of the 2027 general election, with coalition leaders expected to agree on a single presidential candidate.
