Gachagua Declares Intent to Vie for Presidency in 2027, Says Kenyans Will Vie President
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his intention to contest for the presidency in Kenya’s 2027 general election, stating that the real competition will not be between politicians but between Kenyans and one another for the top role. Speaking in Nyeri County, Gachagua said: Kenyans will vie for the presidency, not elites or a cabal — signalling his belief that his campaign will harness grassroots mobilisation rather than elite endorsement.
Gachagua said he is confident of his qualifications and support base, pointing to Kenya’s constitution which he argued still allows him to seek elective office despite ongoing legal challenges following his impeachment in 2024.
He emphasised that his bid is rooted in restoring dignity to public service, reviving education and healthcare systems, and addressing what he calls the disconnect between leadership and citizenry.
Reactions to his announcement have been mixed. Supporters of Gachagua believe his stance adds weight to a growing field of presidential contenders and may galvanise sections of the electorate who feel under‑represented. At the same time, his opponents caution that the legal and political clouds lingering over his impeachment could pose risks for his campaign. Analysts note that Gachagua’s bold framing of Kenyans vying flips the traditional narrative of top‑down leadership and may compel other aspirants to sharpen their own outreach strategies.
Looking ahead, Gachagua’s entry into the race sets up what may become a crowded and competitive 2027 presidential field. The key questions now are whether he can build a national coalition beyond his Mt Kenya stronghold, navigate legal hurdles, and differentiate his platform from both the ruling coalition and opposition rivals. If he succeeds, his message of people‑powered leadership may reshape how the campaign is fought.