Rigathi Gachagua seeks 2027 presidency despite impeachment, claims law allows candidacy
Kenya's former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the US. File photo
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has declared that his 2024 impeachment will not stop him from seeking the presidency in 2027.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara at his Karen home on Tuesday, Mr Gachagua said the Constitution protects his right to contest.
He argued that a pending case in the Supreme Court does not amount to a conviction.
“What matters is that my case has not been concluded by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Mr Gachagua pointed to the case of Sirisia MP John Waluke, who was convicted and sentenced to 74 years in jail.
Mr Waluke successfully appealed and ran again, after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“The law allows anyone with ongoing cases to stand for election,” Mr Gachagua stated.
He recalled how President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta contested the 2013 election while facing charges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
“They ran for office and won while facing serious cases. Why not me?” he asked.
Mr Gachagua also explained why he has chosen to oppose President Ruto.
He cited what he called abductions of citizens, grand corruption in government, and embezzlement of the Social Health Authority funds.
“Abductions are back, corruption is worse, and SHA funds are being looted,” he said.
He added that Kenyans were promised transformation but instead were met with betrayal and rising suffering.
“The government has lost touch with ordinary people. We were elected to serve, not to steal,” he said.
The former Deputy President insisted that his campaign against President Ruto is not personal.
He said it is about building a coalition rooted in patriotism and fairness.
“I am not bitter. I am simply standing for a Kenya that works for all,” he said.
Mr Gachagua dismissed the narrative that impeachment ended his career.
He said he still commands influence across many counties.
“Impeachment has not dented my influence,” he declared.
The DCP leader positioned himself as a reformer fighting against entrenched political interests.
He claimed that corruption narratives have been weaponised to silence dissent.
“This country belongs to all of us. We must resist attempts to use power to silence voices,” he said.
Mr Gachagua also noted that his movement is attracting both the young and the old.
He stressed that his coalition will not be built on ethnicity or personality.
“Our focus is on issues. Kenyans want jobs, better healthcare, affordable food, and justice,” he said.
The Citizen TV interview was his clearest signal yet that he intends to stay on the 2027 ballot.
His tone was defiant, mixing legal arguments, history, and political strategy to justify his run.
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