Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that if he is not picked as the united opposition’s presidential candidate in 2027, his only regret would be losing the chance to confront President William Ruto directly on the presidential debate platform.
Addressing the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) National Delegates Conference on Friday, Gachagua assured delegates he has no objections to the ongoing talks aimed at producing a single opposition flagbearer.
He stressed that the most important outcome is presenting a unified challenge to President Ruto, though he personally looks forward to facing his former ally in a live debate.
“My only disappointment, if I’m not selected, is that I won’t get the chance to face William Ruto in the presidential debate,” he told the audience, sparking laughter.
The former DP also issued a challenge to fellow opposition hopefuls. He urged them to take their campaigns to the grassroots, share their ideas and visions, and prove to Kenyans that they are fit to lead.
“Go out, sell your agenda, present your vision, and persuade Kenyans that you can be president,” he said. “Then, once the time comes, we will ensure that for the sake of this country, only one candidate will face him.”
Taking a jab at President Ruto, Gachagua remarked, “William Ruto knows his time is up. He understands that a united opposition will send him packing by 10 a.m.”
He pledged his support for PLP leader Martha Karua or any other contender who demonstrates the capacity to defeat Ruto, vowing to back them as strongly as he did Ruto in 2022.
“If you convince us you’re the right candidate, I’ll campaign for you just as I campaigned for William Ruto,” he promised.
His remarks were interpreted as both an affirmation of his loyalty to the broader opposition coalition and a subtle reminder of his personal ambitions.
While highlighting the importance of unity, Gachagua made clear that he would prefer to be the one leading that unity and taking on Ruto on the national debate stage.
For now, he emphasized, the focus remains on strengthening the opposition movement, expanding membership, and mobilizing at the grassroots to ensure that by 2027 the coalition has the numbers and a single candidate to mount a strong challenge.
