Gachagua Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Says Opposition Can Win Without Raila

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, pledging to abolish the controversial Housing Levy and expressing confidence that the opposition can secure victory without former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s support.

In an interview with Meru-based Weru TV on Sunday night, Gachagua outlined his vision for a post-Ruto Kenya while dismissing the need for an alliance with Odinga.

“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 stated, referring to Odinga’s perceived alignment with President William Ruto’s administration.

Building Opposition Coalition

The former deputy president revealed he is building a formidable alliance with opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of PLP, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, George Natembeya, and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i.

He announced plans to meet with these political leaders on Tuesday, April 29, to strategize on uniting Kenya against President 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 said, demonstrating willingness to prioritize coalition success over personal ambition.

The coalition aims to name their presidential candidate by the end of 2026, with Gachagua emphasizing they would “invest heavily in scientific research” to develop a winning formula against President Ruto.

Gachagua identified the 3.5 million Kenyans employed in the formal sector as the opposition’s core support base, arguing they bear the brunt of excessive deductions from their pay slips under the current administration.

“Our first assignment would be to restore the dignity of the pay slip,” Gachagua stated, referring to new deductions imposed on salaried workers that have reduced take-home income.

Under his proposed plan, houses constructed through the affordable housing program would be transferred to county governments, which would rent them out to refund taxpayers their deductions and reduce the financial burden on workers.

New Political Party and Legal Challenge

Despite his impeachment, Gachagua remains confident in his political future, maintaining that his case against removal from office has not been concluded.

“As long as my impeachment petition would not have been concluded by the Supreme Court, I will vie for the presidency,” Gachagua stated, signaling his intention to challenge his removal through all available legal channels.

“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 will not go well, we go to the Supreme Court,” he explained.

Gachagua is set to unveil his political party next month, with former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi expected to hold a senior position in the new outfit. The party will focus on challenging President Ruto’s allies in Parliament, particularly targeting Mt. Kenya representatives.

Mt. Kenya Politics

The former deputy president accused Mt. Kenya MPs of betrayal, claiming they reported him to President Ruto whenever he attempted to rally them to defend regional interests.

“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,” Gachagua asserted.

As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 general election, Gachagua’s announcement and coalition-building efforts signal the beginning of what promises to be an intensely contested presidential race, with or without Raila Odinga’s involvement.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​