NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has defended Rigathi Gachagua’s eligibility to contest in future elections, saying the impeached former Deputy President still enjoys full constitutional rights—at least for now.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Malala, the former Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stated that Gachagua remains eligible to vie for any office unless the courts affirm his impeachment and he exhausts all avenues of appeal.
“As it stands, Rigathi Gachagua qualifies to run for any office. Until he is proven guilty and has exhausted all appeal mechanisms, he still enjoys the rights, just like any other Kenyan, to vie for any office,” Malala said.
Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly on October 8, 2024, on 11 separate charges, following a motion sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. However, the matter is still being challenged in court.
According to article 75(3) of the Constitution a person who is removed from office for violation of the integrity provisions of Chapter Six cannot holding any other state or public office.
Gachagua’s 2027 Bid
Despite his impeachment, Gachagua has publicly declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election.
He has since launched a new political outfit—Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)—and is currently in the United States mobilising support and opening satellite offices for his campaign.
Malala confirmed Gachagua’s presence in the U.S., saying he is on a mission to “sell his candidature” and strengthen his political base among Kenyans in the diaspora.
“He is in the U.S. to mobilise support for his political movement,” Malala added.
Open to Stepping Aside
While exuding confidence in his chances of winning, Gachagua has also signaled willingness to step aside if the opposition agrees on another candidate to face off against President William Ruto.
“I am a front runner and I think I have the best chances to be President, but I want to give you a commitment that if the formula does not favour me to send Ruto home, I will sacrifice my ambition to support whoever the system favours,” Gachagua said during his U.S. tour.
His remarks come amid growing calls from the opposition for a united front in 2027, possibly through a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid.
