Rigathi Gachagua Forms Coalition to Challenge President Ruto in 2027 Election
The coalition, he emphasized, is focused on uniting political forces without division, rejecting tribalism, kinship, or backroom deals.
Rigathi Gachagua assembles a coalition to challenge Ruto in the 2027 election. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Juliet Jerotich
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a bold political offensive, assembling a coalition of influential leaders to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Gachagua, who was impeached last year, announced his plans on Sunday during an interview on Weru TV, positioning himself as a key figure in a growing resistance movement aimed at making Ruto a one-term president.
Gachagua revealed that he has held strategic meetings with prominent leaders, including former Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i, Mithika Linturi, and Justin Muturi, as well as political heavyweights Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
The coalition, he emphasized, is focused on uniting political forces without division, rejecting tribalism, kinship, or backroom deals.
“We are in a good position to set political history,” Gachagua declared, expressing confidence in the group’s ability to reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
A central plank of Gachagua’s campaign is his promise to dismantle President Ruto’s controversial housing levy, which he labeled a “private enterprise masquerading as a government program.”
He vowed that, if elected, his administration would refund Kenyans and devolve the housing initiative to county governments for better management. “We will bring an end to the housing levy and ensure it serves the people through proper channels,” he stated, addressing a policy that has drawn widespread criticism since its introduction.
Gachagua also outlined the coalition’s broader strategy, which includes launching a nationwide campaign and announcing their presidential flag bearer before the end of 2026.
He expressed optimism about securing significant support, particularly in the Central region, where the coalition aims to win at least 50 MPs. “We are building a political contraption that will resonate with Kenyans across the country,” he added, signaling an aggressive push to mobilize grassroots support.
The coalition’s formation has sparked intense speculation about its longevity and ability to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid. Political analysts are closely watching whether Gachagua’s alliance can maintain unity among its diverse members, given the historical challenges of sustaining opposition coalitions in Kenya.
For now, Gachagua’s fiery rhetoric and strategic alliances have injected fresh energy into the opposition, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in 2027.
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