Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signalled his readiness to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election if selected as the opposition’s flagbearer.

Speaking after a church service at Full Gospel Church Magomano in Kiambu County on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Gachagua assured congregants that the upcoming election is on track. He added that the opposition team is united and committed to fronting a single presidential candidate.

He emphasised that their coalition will not break apart but will instead come together to agree on one candidate to face off against President Ruto. Gachagua noted that if he is chosen, he will not give Ruto an easy time, adding that he intends to mount a serious political challenge.

“I want to assure you, the people of Juja, hii uchaguzi inakuja iko sawa, tuko hapo; si niko hapo; si Kalonzo ako hapo; si Eugene ako hapo; si Martha Karua ako hapo; si Matiang’i ako hapo; si mimi niko? Si mnanijua? Si hii mtu ananielewa vizuri? Sisi tutaketi, sisi hatuwezi kosana, tutaketi tutowe mtu mmoja. Kama ni mimi nitatolewa, si huyu mtu nitapeleka yeye kama baisikeli ya kuibiwa?” Gachagua said.

Gachagua also pledged full support for whoever is selected, insisting that unity among opposition leaders is their top priority. He said they will all rally behind the chosen flagbearer, whether it is Kalonzo, Wamalwa, Karua, or Matiang’i.

“So ninasema we will agree, kama ni mimi hao wengi wote wataniunga mkono; ikisemekana si mimi ni Kalonzo, sisi wote tutamuunga mkono; ikisemekana ni Wamalwa, sisi wote tutamuunga mkono; ikiwa ni Martha Karua, sisi sote tutamuunga mkono; ikisemekana ni Matiang’i, sisi sote tutamuunga mkono. Bora tutoe one candidate,” he added.

Opposition’s flagbearer

Apart from Gachagua, Martha Karua also pledged to stand behind whoever is selected as a flagbearer, stating that the goal is to find a transparent candidate who will lead the nation to success, no matter who they are.

Speaking during the official launch of PLP on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Karua emphasised that liberating the country requires the collective support of all people of goodwill.

“You may wonder how we are going to do it. I have expressed my wish to run for president, as my twin brother, Kalonzo Musyoka, and my son, Morara Kebaso, and many others have,” Karua said.

“Whoever gets selected as a candidate through a transparent method that we will devise, we will all queue behind that person.”

She went on to clarify that while she may have previously stated her reluctance to take on a deputy role, this does not mean she will not support another candidate if the circumstances change. She reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Kenya.

“I may have said that I do not want to be a deputy, but that doesn’t mean I won’t support another candidate. I do not have to be on that ticket, but I will commit 100 per cent if I am not the candidate to help deliver victory to Kenyans,” she added.