With just two years to the 2027 general elections, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fierce campaign against President William Ruto, vowing to make him a one-term president.
So far, Gachagua has been forging alliances with several opposition heavyweights, including DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Gachagua has consistently rallied the public to deny President Ruto a second term. One of his most notable moments came in a viral video doing the rounds on social media from a roadside rally in Githurai, where he called for Ruto’s ouster.
According to Gachagua, Kenyans should vote out the president due to the high cost of living, alleged abductions targeting those opposing Ruto’s government, extrajudicial killings during the Gen Z protests, and what he terms as persistent lies from Ruto’s administration.
Experts Weigh in on Whether Gachagua Can Make Ruto a One-Term President
To boost his efforts in his bid to make the Head of State a one-term president, Gachagua has launched a new political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he intends to use as his vehicle to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
However, according to political and governance expert Javas Bigambo, Gachagua’s ambition may be a pipe dream.
“It is not in the place of former DP Rigathi Gachagua to make Hon. William Ruto a one-term president. He has no such capacity. It is Kenyans, through their votes, who will decide whether to re-elect Ruto or vote for someone else,” Bigambo said.
Also Read: Drama as Gunshots Fired During Gachagua Party Launch
Bigambo further argued that Gachagua’s self-proclaimed suitability as the sole opposition candidate may hinder opposition unity.
“By asserting that he is the best suited to challenge President Ruto, Gachagua risks fracturing the opposition. Unity is crucial, yet his statements suggest that such unity may be difficult to achieve,” he added.
Gachagua’s legal troubles could also derail his ambitions. His impeachment case is still pending in court. Should the Supreme Court uphold it, he may be disqualified from contesting in the next elections.
“If the courts affirm his impeachment, then he will not be on the ballot,” Bigambo noted.
Why the Former DP Will Find it Difficult to Unseat Ruto
Another issue Bigambo raised is the nature of Gachagua’s campaign, which he says is centered on “hatred and vengeance” towards President Ruto rather than clear policies or a national agenda.
“Gachagua isn’t presenting alternative policies or governance frameworks. He’s promoting tribal politics—urging various ethnic groups to rally behind their own. This is an outdated and divisive strategy in today’s democracy,” Bigambo stated.
He emphasized that Gachagua’s ethnic rhetoric could backfire, especially since it lacks a broader public interest or policy-based platform. According to Bigambo, revealing his political ambitions this early may also give President Ruto time to counter his strategy.
How Rigathi Can Achieve His Goal
On the other hand, lawyer Mwaura Muroki believes Gachagua’s ambition could succeed or fail depending on how events unfold.
“Politics is about timing and opportunity. If Gachagua can effectively capitalize on President Ruto’s failures, his plan might just work,” Muroki said.
Also Read: Rigathi Gachagua Unveils His New Party DCP [Full Speech]
He added that Gachagua has gained sympathy since his fallout and impeachment, making him appear as a scapegoat for Ruto’s broken promises.
“President Ruto rose to power by overpromising. But once in office, he disregarded the rule of law and failed to fulfill many pledges. This has led to public disillusionment,” Muroki noted.
However, Muroki emphasized that unity among opposition leaders will be critical if they hope to unseat Ruto.
“They’re going up against an incumbent president, which is no small task. It will require genuine unity—not just on paper, but a strong, visible front,” he said.
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