Gachagua pledges to back coalition’s presidential candidate if flagbearer formula does not favour him
Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua has affirmed his commitment to opposition unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, promising full support for the candidate selected through the coalition’s agreed flagbearer formula, even if the nod does not go to him.
Speaking to Kenyans during his USA tour, on Monday, July 21, 2025, Gachagua said that he remains a key contender in the race for the opposition ticket, adding that he believes he has the best chances to become president.
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The former DP emphasised that he would sacrifice his own ambitions and fully support whoever the process selected, adding that the opposition will name its presidential candidate in December 2026.
“I am a frontrunner and I think Iam best chances to be president. I want to give you a commitment, if the formula does not favour me to send William Ruto home, I will sacrifice my ambitions and support whoever the formula favours.
The former deputy president added that they are united and that the opposition leaders, including figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, George Natembeya, Okiyo Omtatah, and others, have agreed to hold internal primaries early next year to present a single candidate capable of challenging Ruto head-on.
“Tumekibaliana mimi niko hapo, Kalonzo ako hapo, Matiang’i ako hapo, Eugune Wamalwa ako hapo. Martha Karua ako hapo, Natembeya ako, hata Omtatah na yule mtu yeyote anataka kuwa raisi tumesema kila mtu aende atafute kura zake na pale mwisho next year hapo after Christmas tuketi tuweke kura kwa meza tuulizane nani atapeperusha bendera as one candidate only against William Ruto,” he added.
Karua on presidential candidate
The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua had earlier pledged full support for a transparent 2027 presidential candidate.
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.
Expressing her willingness to stand behind whoever is selected as the candidate, Karua stated that the goal is to find a transparent candidate who will lead the nation to success, no matter who they are.
“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,” 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.
