"I'm ready": Gachagua names position he'll hold if not picked as flagbearer
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
• Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua hosted a Wiper Patriotic Front delegation from the Eastern region on Tuesday, August 18
• Gachagua restated his commitment to ensuring the United Opposition fields a single presidential candidate against William Ruto in 2027
• The DCP party leader warned that Ruto was deploying money and proxy parties to sow division within opposition ranks
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed the specific role he intends to occupy within the United Opposition should the coalition settle on a different candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 18, while receiving a delegation of Wiper Patriotic Front leaders from the Eastern region at his residence.
Gachagua's Commitment to a Single Candidate
The former deputy president was emphatic that the most reliable path to defeating Ruto lay in the opposition rallying behind one flag bearer, regardless of who that person turns out to be.
"The best way to win this election. The most definite, what I hear is called sure bet, is one single presidential candidate. I'm committed. And myself and my people will make whatever sacrifices necessary to make sure we have one presidential candidate," he said.
He went further to spell out what his contribution would look like if he were not selected as the coalition's flagbearer, saying he would take charge of running the presidential campaign as director.
"After the identification of that candidate, if it is me, I will lead that campaign to the end. If it is not me, somebody else, I will be the director of the presidential campaign. Na huyo Ruto ananijua. Si ati anijui, anajifanya hajui, lakini anajua. We are going to work on this thing, and it will succeed. And I want you people to relax," Gachagua said.
He assured the WPF delegation that he was prepared to work alongside them and fully back whichever candidate the coalition ultimately chose to face Ruto at the ballot on August 10, 2027.
Warning Over Ruto's Tactics to Split Opposition
Gachagua also used the occasion to caution opposition supporters against efforts he said were aimed at fracturing their unity ahead of the election.
He alleged that Ruto's camp was deploying financial resources and sponsoring proxy parties, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, to create confusion and pull voters away from the opposition.
The DCP party leader said several such parties had already been launched in Mt Kenya to cause disorientation, but expressed confidence that voters in the region would see through the scheme.
He urged his supporters in Mt Kenya South to remain vigilant and move swiftly to counter any such messaging the moment it emerged in their areas.
"I want our people in Mount Kenya South, muweka bidi. Tumewana kasonga, anashinda uwanja songa. Be more active. Hapa kwetu tumekubaliana na watu wangu. Tukimsikia area, akitoka the following day tunakuja. Tunasafisha ile uchafu yote ya meda huko na uongo. I want to appeal in Mount Kenya South; you do the same," he said.
Gachagua was impeached as Deputy President in October 2024 and has since positioned himself as a leading opposition figure ahead of the 2027 polls.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.