Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will run for president in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with Weru TV on Sunday night, the former DP debunked claims that he was ineligible to vie for any electoral seat in the upcoming elections due to his 2024 impeachment.
"Before my case gets to the Supreme Court, I will vie for the Presidential seat and I will win with very many votes," Gachagua declared.
According to him, as long as his case was pending in court without a determination, he is free to challenge President William Ruto in the election.
"The Kenyan law states that you have the right to vie for a seat if you have a case pending in court that hasn't reached the Supreme Court yet," Gachagua stated.
"John Waluke was sentenced to 74 years, and when he was released on bond, he vied for the Sirisya MP seat, which he won. Now, the Court of Appeal has withdrawn his case. The law says that if you have not exhausted the legal mechanisms, you are free to vie for any office. My case hasn't even started yet."
As for his fellow opposition leaders interested in the position, Gachagua stated that they would all campaign for the same seat until the last minute, when a determination would be made on the best flagbearer.
Currently, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, PLP Party Leader Martha Karua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i have all announced their independent presidential bids.
"Everyone wants the presidential seat, Karua, Kalonzo, Matiang'i, Wamalwa and I, and we will keep on campaigning. At the end, we will discuss and decide who will be. If they do not select me, I will still back the chosen one," he stated.
"This man (President Ruto) must go home. The formula we will use will have everyone present what they bring to the table so that we can guarantee a win of 70+1. We will release a joint statement, committing ourselves to the people of Kenya that among us, the presidential candidates will choose one and back them for the seat."
This announcement comes just days after unconfirmed reports emerged indicating there was a meeting held at the Ichaweri residence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, inviting most of the other opposition aspirants but barring Gacahgua from attending.
The talk of the town is that Uhuru was categorical in stating that Gachagua was not welcome at the meeting, which is preparing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to be the flag bearer of the Jubilee Party. Gachagua has been working to mend his relationship with Uhuru after his sharp criticism of the former head of state before and after the 2022 polls.
In May, Gachagua will be announcing his party, in which he has stated former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi will reportedly hold a top seat.
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