Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed confidence that a united Opposition can defeat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing that choosing a single presidential candidate will be a decisive step towards victory.
Speaking during a church service in Boston, Massachusetts, Gachagua pledged to make personal sacrifices to ensure opposition leaders agree on a common candidate rather than split their support among competing presidential hopefuls.
“I want to assure you that we shall give you a single Opposition presidential candidate,” he said. “Me, I will do whatever is within my power and ability, make whatever sacrifices to make sure that we have one single candidate so that the liberation of our country can begin in earnest.”
Gachagua also dismissed concerns that disagreements among opposition leaders would prevent them from reaching an agreement. He maintained that the candidate eventually selected would receive widespread public support.
“And I want to assure the people that the candidate we shall pick, you people will be happy. The day we announce that candidate, it is the day the 2027 election will be won,” he said.
Gachagua invokes the 2002 election
The former Deputy President’s remarks come as opposition leaders face growing pressure to settle on a presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 polls.
Gachagua said critics had questioned whether the opposition could overcome internal divisions, warning that competing ambitions could weaken its challenge to Ruto’s re-election bid.
He referred to an unnamed MP who had reportedly suggested that disagreements could emerge if supporters insisted that their preferred leaders should receive the coalition’s presidential ticket.
Gachagua rejected that argument, drawing comparisons with the 2002 General Election, when opposition parties rallied behind Mwai Kibaki to challenge the then-ruling KANU party.
Kibaki was selected as the joint opposition candidate in October 2002. He subsequently won the December election with about 62 per cent of the vote, ending KANU’s long period in power.
“I want to tell that MP, the way he is talking is the same way people were talking in 2002,” Gachagua said.
Who will carry the Opposition ticket?
Several political figures are involved in discussions over how to build a united challenge to Ruto. They include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Gachagua himself.
Although opposition leaders have expressed interest in working together, agreeing on a single presidential candidate remains a major hurdle. The discussions must address not only who receives the ticket but also whether the other aspirants will support that decision.
Gachagua’s remarks signal his determination to present a united front. However, the Opposition’s ability to translate that commitment into an agreement will depend on how its leaders manage competing ambitions and negotiate the final choice.
About the Author
