NAIROBI, Kenya — DCP Leader has confirmed he intends to seek the United Opposition’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, but says he will step aside if the coalition agrees on another flag bearer.
Speaking on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Gachagua said he has the numbers and national support to challenge President William Ruto but insisted that his ambition will not come before unity.
He pledged to persuade his colleagues to back his bid but said he would respect the group’s decision if they select another candidate.
“What I need to do is to persuade my colleagues. I have the numbers, and I have enough inspiration to defeat William Ruto,” he told supporters. “If I don’t persuade them and they persuade me that another Kenyan can do it, I will sacrifice.”
The former DP also dismissed reports suggesting he had dropped out of the race, accusing political rivals of sponsoring false media stories to undermine his influence.
“Nimeona Kasongo ame sponsor magazeti yake jana. Ohh, Riggy G hasimami, atawachia wengine apewe shares za serikali. Nani amekuambia?” he said. “Riggy G is a frontrunner in this race.”
Gachagua said the opposition’s current priority was to unite Kenyans under the shared message “Ruto must go” rather than rush into naming a single leader.
He revealed that the coalition’s plan — dubbed wantam — is designed to build a broad grassroots movement before settling on a presidential candidate.
“We have never sat down, and we are not in a hurry. When we are done mobilising the whole country, then we will sit down and ask ourselves, Nani ataongoza? Hakuna haraka,” he said, warning that President Ruto should not dictate the opposition’s agenda.
Gachagua emphasized that the coalition’s strength lies in unity and collective decision-making. While he made clear his desire to lead, he acknowledged the importance of consensus and internal democracy within the emerging political formation.
“For now, our candidate is ‘Ruto must go’, and our plan for now is wantam,” he said. “Mnataka tutangaze mtu saa hii muanze kumwahangaisha.”
Political observers note that Gachagua’s approach balances ambition with restraint — positioning himself as both a potential flag bearer and a consensus builder. His remarks come amid increased activity within opposition circles seeking to form a broad-based coalition to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
The United Opposition, an informal alliance of political parties and civic movements, has yet to name its leader but is reportedly working on a shared manifesto focused on governance reforms, economic recovery, and accountability.
As the opposition intensifies its mobilisation, Gachagua’s comments signal both his intent to lead and his readiness to yield for the sake of unity — a balancing act that could define the shape of Kenya’s political contest in the coming months.
